The live cattle trade remains steady. Fears that bigger sale numbers on the back of deteriorating ground conditions would impact on prices did not materialise this week.

Based on Martwatch data, steers weighing 400kg to 500kg averaged 219p/kg for top-quality animals, an increase of 4p/kg on the previous week. Plainer animals are holding at 181p/kg.

Heifers in the same weight range increased by 8p/kg, selling to an average of 210p/kg for good-quality animals.

Cattle weighing 500kg to 600kg sold to an average of 210p/kg for good-quality steers, up 4p/kg on last week.

Good-quality heifers eased by 5p/kg to 205p/kg, making a 580kg animal worth £1,189 in the live trade. Plainer steers and heifers averaged 185p/kg.

Heavy cattle are a mixed trade as finished cattle prices have eased. Good-quality U grade steers averaged 206p/kg, similar to last week. Plainer steers have eased by 5p/kg, selling to an average of 178p/kg.

Beef price

Beef prices eased again this week with most cattle moving at 358p/kg to 360p/kg, closing the gap between base quotes and prices paid. Beef prices for the same week in 2016 were close to 340p/kg, making a price differential of £70 on a 350kg carcase from year to year. The prime cattle kill for 2017 totalled 205,383 for the week ending 19 August, an increase of almost 7,000 head on the same period last year.

Strong demand for beef within the UK has maintained a steady beef price throughout 2017, despite more cattle coming on to the market in Northern Ireland.

Prices in Scotland are holding around 390p/kg with prices in England at 375p/kg to 380p/kg. Reports indicate that supplies of finished cattle are becoming increasing tight.