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Heavy rain over the weekend and first half of this week has seen grazing conditions deteriorate in western and northern parts of the country.
As a result, cattle agents indicate there is no shortage of grass-finished animals being offered for sale, as farmers look to offload animals with adequate fat covers that meet market specifications.
With increased availability of finished cattle, several plants have moved to shave another 2p/kg off base prices for the second consecutive week.
This puts the range of prices for U-3 grading animals on 310p to 320p/kg for steers, with heifers on a base of 322p/kg.
Most reports indicate that cattle are moving freely at the top end of the range of base quotes, with 320p to 322p/kg widely available.
Negotiating for improved prices above these has become extremely difficult for farmers with limited numbers.
Larger finishers are faring better, with prices running 2p to 6p/kg ahead of quoted prices.
Higher prices are mainly available where bigger numbers of in-spec heifers are offered for sale.
In addition, factory agents are being selective on grass-finished cattle being offered for sale
However, with more cattle coming on to the market, some processors indicate they have adequate numbers booked for the next two weeks.
As a result, farmers booking animals for slaughter report that cattle agents are reluctant to commit to a definite price so far ahead.
In addition, factory agents are being selective on grass-finished cattle being offered for sale, as there are some issues with animals killing out at fat class 2.
Last week, the average price for steers and heifers was 322.4p/kg, down 0.5p/kg on the previous week.
The average price paid on U3 steers slipped 3p/kg to 327.1p/kg, with heifers relatively steady on 333.3p/kg.
Cows
The trade for cull cows has steadied, with base quotes holding on 260p/kg for R3 grading animals and 245p to 255p/kg for O+3 cows.
Last week, the average price paid on R3 grading cows was 271.6p/kg.
Lamb trade
Lamb quotes are resilient this week, with one plant increasing 5p/kg to a base of 365p/kg and another holding steady at 370p/kg. This makes a lamb worth £77.70 at the 21kg carcase limit. The trade in the marts is back slightly, with Rathfriland down by 6p/kg on average. A comment at both plants and marts is that there are too many under-finished lambs on offer, which reduces the price. Lambs could do with more fat cover before selling.
In Kilrea, 700 lambs sold from 316p to 333p/kg, down 12p/kg for heavy lambs and 37p/kg for lighter sorts.
Rathfriland had a big show of 1,023 lambs selling from 300p to 360p/kg
In Massereene, 996 lambs made 310p to 342p/kg, down 15p/kg for heavier lambs and 10p/kg for lighter sorts.
In Saintfield, 655 lambs sold from 315p to 364p/kg, down by 5p to 11p/kg. A nice pen of white-faced 25.4kg lambs made £76.50, with a pen of 17kg animals making £57.50.
Rathfriland had a big show of 1,023 lambs selling from 300p to 360p/kg, with a sale average of 328p/kg, down by 6p/kg on last week.
In Lisahally, well-finished Texel lambs at 25kg made £80 and £79.50. Plainer, less-well-fleshed lambs at 25kg made £72/head.
Ewes
Ewe prices are firm, with well-fleshed lowland ewes making good prices. The top price in Omagh was £95. Swatragh sold ewes to a top price of £108 for a big show of 750 head. In Massereene, top price was £96 and in Kilrea, it was £117. In Saintfield, top price was £100 and in Rathfriland, it was £101 for 137 head sold.
The top store lamb price in Ballymena was £69.50 for Texel lambs, with others lots making £63 to £68. The best Mules made £61.50 and £62.50, with the best Suffolks making £60.50.
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