Quotes for fat cattle are unchanged this week and the best quote remains at 614p/kg for U-3 grading steers and heifers.

However, there is much more available in the market. Numbers of prime cattle are pretty tight, with reports suggesting most deals continue around the 650p/kg mark, with slightly more on offer for larger numbers.

The average price paid last week for a U3 grading steer was 648.7p, up by 1.3p, while a U3 grade heifer was at 647.2p, down by 0. 4p. Across all steers and heifers, the price averaged 643.2p/kg, up 0.9p on the previous week.

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Britain

The prices paid for top conformation grades in NI are now only 5p to 10p/kg behind what was paid for similar grades across Britain last week.

While 10p did come off NI prices between mid-November and mid-December, the market was steady over Christmas and into the new year.

However, in Britain, prices paid held into December, but there has been a reduction since then.

Over the last three weeks, prices in England are down by around 10p, while in Scotland, the reduction is closer to 20p/kg. That has left Scottish prices generally in line with English counterparts.

In the Republic of Ireland, reports indicate slightly more is available this week, with agents keen to secure numbers.

However, that positivity comes after a cut of around 10p in prices paid last week. It has meant the price gap to NI has widened out to around 20p/kg for R3 grades.

With more available in NI, it has encouraged slightly more cattle north for direct slaughter. Last week, 254 head were imported, which is the highest weekly number since the second week of December. Only four animals were sent in the opposite direction.

Cows

The quotes for fat cows are also steady at the plants and the best quote for an O+ cow is at 505p/kg. However, there was some easing in the prices paid for cows last week.

R4 grading cows were back 3.9p at 547.3p/kg, while O3 grades were down 6.4p at 520.6p/kg.

P2 grades were back 2.2p at 486.9p/kg.

NI sheep: lamb prices edging up

The trade in the marts for fat lambs is showing some small increases this week.

The plants have increased quotes to a best of 650p/kg, making a lamb worth £143 at the 22kg weight limit.

In Gortin, prices reached £154 for 32kg or 481p/kg. Lambs at 24.4kg made £145 or 594p/kg.

In Kilrea, a big sale of 1,500 lambs sold from 600p to 654p/kg, the latter for 21.5kg at £140.50. Lambs at 24.5kg made £149 .50 or 610p, with 23kg at £147 or 639p/kg.

Heavier lambs made from £155 to a top of £220.

In Markethill, a stronger trade saw 1,360 lambs make from 590p to 642p/kg. Lambs at 20.5kg made £131.50 or 642p, with 20.2kg at £128 or 634p/kg.

Heavier lambs sold from £142 to £164, the latter for 27kg half-weight.

Stores made from 631p to 713p/kg for 17.4kg at £124.

Saintfield had a steady trade for 1,070 lambs making 578p to 675p/kg. Heavy Beltex at 27kg made £159, with 29kg Charollais at £157.

In Ballymena, the trade was muted. Lambs at 27.5kg made £144 or 524p/kg, with 24kg at £138 or 575p/kg and 20kg at £121 or 605p/kg.

Fat ewes

In Gortin, the best fat ewes made £265 and £252, with others from £180 to £240/head.

In Kilrea, the top was £310 and in Markethill, top ewes made from £150 to £234, with others from £100 to £140.

In Saintfield, the best Texels made £260 and £240; others made from £190 to £225/head.