Northern view: big jump in base cattle quotes

With some factories putting their declared quotes closer to the prices they actually pay, the best quotes are up by 6p and 8p this week.

As a result, best quotes are now 350p for both U-3 grade steers and heifers. Demand for finished cattle remains strong and with some reports that fat cattle are slightly harder to come by this week, it means that deals are still available ahead of best quotes.

While some farmers are taking around the 350p/kg mark, others have been able to do deals at 356p/kg and above this week for in-spec cattle.

Higher prices are easier negotiated on heifers, especially for finishers with bigger numbers of cattle for sale.

The deals on offer are reflected in the prices paid last week, which were up 3p/kg on average across steers and heifers to 344.05p/kg. U3 steers averaged 354.4, and U3 heifers 356.3p/kg, last week.

That increase came despite the overall kill increasing 300 head to 9,667, although the kill was boosted by another large intake of 2,828 cows, the biggest weekly cow kill in NI since 2012.

The cross-border and cross-channel trade remained at low levels last week. The number of cattle coming in from the south for slaughter was low at 71 head. Trade in the opposite direction picked up slightly to 106 head. The trade across to Britain for slaughter was 62 head, one of the lowest weekly figures since mid-summer.

Cow trade

The trade for fat cows remains steady and the best quote for an O+3 grade cow is 245p/kg, with others quoting 240p/kg. The best quote for an R grade is at 255p/kg with others on 250p/kg. However, reports from farmers suggest that at least 270p/kg is widely available for good-quality suckler-bred cows. Last week, the prices paid for R4 grading cows averaged 272.6p/kg.

Lamb trade

Quotes at the factories are steady at 375p to a maximum of 22kg deadweight.

In the marts, although demand from the south has been maintained, prices have slipped a little.

Kilrea had 300 lambs (40 fewer than last week) selling from 336p to 362p, up by up to 9p/kg for lighter lambs.

Massereene sold 1,236 lambs (180 more) making from 335p to 364p/kg, down by 5p/kg.

Saintfield had a sale of 702 (322 fewer) and they made from 315p to 372p, down by 5p to 16p/kg.

Rathfriland had a sale of 1,110 lambs (40 less) and trade was back slightly. Prices averaged 339p/kg, down 3p on last week. The range was from 328p to 379p/kg. Top prices went to £87 for 27.5kg, with £80 to £84 paid for 25kg to 27kg.

Ewes

The trade in fat ewes is still firm, with some marts seeing a small increase in top prices. Top in Newtownstewart was £83; in Omagh £95 for a big show of 377 ewes; in Swatragh was £72; in Kilrea was £75; in Massereene was £92; and in Saintfield was £82 a head. In Rathfriland, the top was £78 for 101 ewes sold with a good run from £70 to £77 a head.