Local meat plants have taken 2p off their clean cattle quotes, giving a best quote of 612p/kg for U-3 grading steers and heifers.

That is also reflected in the deals on offer to regular suppliers, with farmers reporting prices in the mid-640s, with a bit more resistance to any negotiation around the 650p/kg mark.

The average price paid last week for a U3 grade steer was 648.4p/kg, up 0.8p on the previous week. Analysis by the LMC, which strips out any breed bonuses, had the U-3 steer average at 646.9p/kg, up 1.2p/kg.

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However, the prices paid for top-grading heifers were back slightly, with U3 grades averaging 648p/kg, down by 2.9p, and R3s at 644p/kg, down 1.3p/kg.

Those prices paid remain on a par with the trade in Britain or slightly ahead in some cases. The market across the Irish Sea has steadied over the last two weeks, with the highest prices being paid by factories in the north of England.

Over the last 12 months, the price premium normally associated with Scottish cattle has been wiped out.

ROI trade

Like their NI counterparts, factories in the Republic of Ireland are trying to pay a bit less for cattle this week, although, overall, the market is generally steady and around 20p/kg behind NI.

That differential is enough to encourage cattle north for direct slaughter, with 491 brought in last week, up 75 head on the previous week and the biggest weekly import figure since April 2025. Just 63 cattle were sent for slaughter in the opposite direction.

Kill

Last week’s NI kill was down 369 head at 9,190, to include 1,851 cows. Only once so far in 2026 has the total kill crossed 10,000. To date, the 2026 kill is running 4.6% behind the same period in 2025.

Cows

The base quotes for fat cows are steady at the plants and the best for an O+ cow is at 506p/kg.

While the prices paid for O3 cows last week were unchanged at around 533p/kg, the prices for R grades did take a hit, with R3s down by almost 7p/kg at 553.3p/kg.

NI sheep: hogget quotes up 20p/kg

The trade in the marts for hoggets has improved and factory quotes are up by 20p/kg to 670p for 22kg and 22.5kg deadweight.

A steady trade in Gortin saw prices reaching £162 for 32kg and £160 for 30.8kg. Hoggets at 24.5kg made £148.

Trade in Kilrea was strong, with 800 hoggets selling from 620p to 700p/kg, up by 20p on last week. The 700p was for 18kg at £126, with 661p for 22kg at £145. The best hoggets at 23.5kg made £151.50 or 645p/kg. Heavier sorts sold for £164 to £171.50/head.

In Markethill, an improved trade saw 700 hoggets selling from 600p to 670p, up by 10p/kg. The 670p was for 23kg at £154, with 650p for 20kg at £130.

In Saintfield, a show of 625 hoggets made from 617p to 710p/kg, up by 22p on last week. Heavies from 26kg to 30kg made from £151 to £163.50.

In Ballymena, the trade was firm. Heavy hoggets from 27kg to 30.5kg made from £154 to £160.50. Good hoggets at 23.5kg made £151,50 or 645p/kg, with 24kg at £153.50 or 640p/kg.

Fat ewes

In Gortin, the best ewes made £210 and £230, with others from £160 to £198.

In Kilrea, the top was £288, while in Markethill, the best fat ewes made from £150 to £226.

In Saintfield, top ewes made from £182 to £268, with a run from £165 to £181.