Factories reluctant to pay more for beef

The beef trade has pushed up further this week, with one plant putting 2p on to quotes. That leaves the majority of base quotes for U-3 grades at 366p to 368p/kg for steers and heifers.

However, reports from farmers suggest that there is slightly more resistance from factories to pay significantly ahead of base quotes this week.

While there have been deals done into the low-380s for butcher-type heifers, most factory buyers are trying to work from a base around the 372p/kg mark.

With numbers tight in the last few weeks, prices paid have continued to edge upwards.

Last week, U3 grading heifers averaged 379p/kg, with U3 steers at 377.5p/kg, an increase of over 3p/kg on the previous week.

That leaves prices at the top end of conformation grades in NI close to what is available in England. In Scotland, U3 grades are generally priced around 386p to 390p/kg.

For the lower conformation grades, prices paid in NI are 10p to 15p/kg ahead of what is available in England, and on a par with Scottish prices.

The beef trade in the Republic of Ireland is also strong, with heifer prices similar or even slightly ahead of what is being paid in NI.

It means there is little incentive to import cattle to NI for direct slaughter.

Last week, only 74 head were brought in for slaughter. However, trade in the opposite direction was substantial at 203 head, with southern Irish plants continuing to pay higher prices for O and P grading cows.

Cow trade

The fat cow trade in NI remains firm, with 320p and 302.5p paid for R3 and O3 grades respectively last week. Base quotes continue to lag behind, with the best for an R grade at 300p/kg, with others on 295p. The best quote for an O+3 grade cow is at 290p/kg, with others on 285p.

Spring lamb trade

The spring lamb trade has improved again this week, with plants increasing their quotes. The best quote at 510p/kg makes a lamb worth £107.10 at the 21kg limit.

The number of lambs going through the marts is well up and prices are showing a further strong recovery.

Kilrea sold 400 spring lambs from 494p to 518p/kg, up by 30p/kg on last week for heavier lambs.

Massereene sold 702 lambs making from 490p to 548p/kg, up by 50p/kg.

In Saintfield, 507 lambs made from 495p to 540p/kg, up by 65p/kg.

There was a further recovery in prices at Rathfriland. A big show of 626 lambs sold in the range 488p to 537p/kg. The average was 502p, up by 26p on last week, and giving a lift in price of 80p in two weeks. The top price, paid for two pens of 21.8kg Texel lambs, was £117. Lambs at 20kg and 20.5kg made from £100 to £102.

The fat ewe trade continues firm, with increases in some top prices. Swatragh sold 60 head to a top of £88. In Omagh, top was £126 for 289 sold. In Massereene, the top was £115 for 229 sold and in Saintfield was £120 for 76 sold. And Rathfriland sold 147 head to £123.