Quotes for steers and heifers have weakened by 2p at one plant this week. However, the best quote remains unchanged at 308p/kg for both steers and heifers.

The quotes provided are on an all-in basis for in-specs, with the well-established range of penalties applying to the range of out-of-spec conditions.

Despite quotes edging below 310p/kg, regular suppliers report that they are still able to work off a base that is generally 4p to 6p/kg ahead of the lowest quotes on offer this week.

That would put some of the best deals in around the 314p/kg mark. However, that is still 2p to 4p/kg less than what was available in the previous two weeks.

That is reflected in the prices paid last week, which were generally down across the categories.

Average prices for prime steers and heifers were back 2p to average 303.88p/kg, although young bulls remained largely unchanged at 289.46p/kg.

These prices for prime cattle are the lowest on offer since 2012 and, for steers and heifers, are 36p/kg below the same week in 2015. U3 grade steers and heifers averaged 313p and 317p/kg respectively last week.

While factory agents continue to report that they are getting sufficient numbers coming forward to meet their needs, there are some indications that cattle supplies could be tighter in the weeks ahead. However, with most on a short week this week, there was no great push to secure numbers.

Cows

The cow trade is unchanged and quotes for an O+3 grade cow range up to 235p/kg, with the lowest at 214p. Despite that, there seems to be a decent demand at some factories for cows. Last week, the prices paid for well-fleshed R grades was up slightly to average over 250p/kg. However, O3s were a considerable way behind, averaging 227p/kg.

Hogget trade

The strong tone to the hogget trade continues and with the euro at 78.5p, there is still good demand from southern buyers.

Best quotes at the plants are at 415p/kg, with others at 410p. At the 22kg weight limit, 415p is worth £91.30/head.

Spring lamb quotes are at 460p/kg for up to 21kg. This makes a 20kg lamb worth £92 and £96.60 if at the weight limit.

In Saintfield, 305 hoggets sold from 365p to 405p/kg, while 44 spring lambs made from 396p to 478p/kg.

In Rathfriland, 422 hoggets made from 346p to 388p/kg and averaged 363p/kg. This was down 14p on the previous week, but overall quality this week was not so good. There were 59 spring lambs averaging 423p/kg. Good lambs at 21kg were making 430p/kg or £90.30.

First lots of hoggets in Ballymena, Wednesday, were at £84 for 22kg and £92 for 25kg.

Fat ewes are still a strong trade. The top price was £110 at Saintfield. In Rathfriland, the top price was £124 for a pen of very good Texels and next best was £118. Full-mouth ewes with twin lambs sold at £170 in Rathfriland.