Processing demand for finished cattle on both sides of the Irish border remains extremely strong, but prices on offer at Republic of Ireland (ROI) factories have surged ahead of those in NI.

At the upper end of the ROI market, quality-assured U3 heifers are making €5.85/kg including VAT.

When converted back to sterling, net of VAT, this equates to a beef price of 470p/kg.

Behind that, the main run of U grading steers and heifers are trading between €5.60 and €5.70/kg, which converts to 452p to 460p/kg ex-VAT.

Numbers coming on to the market are slowing, particularly in the northern half of the country.

NI prices

At local plants, prices have strengthened again this week with base quotes edging upwards to 428p/kg.

However, much more is being paid, with deals up a further 2p to 4p/kg, leaving U3 heifers around the 450p/kg mark.

That NI price still trails Irish prices by 10p to 20p/kg, or £36 to £72 on a 360kg carcase.

Steers

Steers remain slightly behind the heifer trade, with U-3 grades moving around the 444p/kg mark, with reports of young bulls being paid upwards to 442p/kg.

Cull cows are also rising in value, and good quality suckler bred animals are making 390p to 400p/kg with ease this week.

Britain

In Britain, prime R4L grade cattle are generally making 450p to 460p/kg, with abattoirs in northern England marginally ahead of those further south.

Lambs

In the NI lamb trade, prices are generally holding around the 650p/kg mark, with reports of some lambs being sold at 660p/kg, which is in line with ROI prices.

New season lamb in Britain is making 670p to 675p/kg.

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