Beef prices remain on a steady footing this week, with processors leaving base quotes unchanged for prime cattle.

Quotes start from 350p/kg and rise to 356p/kg, but the reality is that 360p/kg is freely available as a starting price.

The lower quotes are merely keeping a lid on the prices being paid for cattle that qualify for premiums under breed schemes and out of spec animals. Farmers offloading cattle indicate agents are still eager for stock. Young bulls are moving from 360p to 366p/kg, with the higher prices offered on in-spec animals with carcase weights below 380kg.

Deals on steers and heifers remain similar to last week, with 365p to 375p/kg on offer depending on the number of animals being forwarded for sale.

Last week, there was a surge in factory throughput, with the kill rising to its highest level since late March with 9,121 animals processed.

After significant rainfall, there is an abundance of grazing across the province

Indications are that throughput was boosted by finishers offloading animals in anticipation of qualifying for a support payment under the £25m coronavirus fund. Reports indicate that numbers are starting to tighten again.

After significant rainfall, there is an abundance of grazing across the province. This is expected to delay the numbers of grass-finished cattle coming on to the market in the weeks ahead, as ground conditions are generally good.

Imports of slaughter cattle purchased in the Republic of Ireland remain strong, with 820 animals moving north for processing last week.

Prime cattle accounted for 554 head, the second-highest figure for the year to date. Cows made up 265 head, the third-highest for 2020.

Last week, the average price across all grades of steers and heifers increased by 2.2p to an average 355.7p/kg. Prices on U3 steers rose by 1.6p to 366p/kg, while heifers saw a slight drop of 0.6p to 368.3p/kg.

Cows

Prices paid on cull cows has steadied. Although base quotes for R3 animals is unchanged on 280p/kg, prices continue to exceed 300p/kg.

Lamb trade

There is a steady flow of fat lambs into the factories, but quotes have improved. Base price is up by 10p/kg to 450p/kg, making a lamb worth £94.50 at the 21kg carcase limit.

Throughput in the marts has increased, but so too has demand.

In Kilrea, 380 lambs sold from 423p to 463p/kg, up by 12p/kg on last week.

Massereene sold 753 lambs from 435p to 467p/kg, up by 20p/kg on last week. The top prices for heavy lambs from 24kg to 28kg ran from £107 to £112.50.

In Saintfield, 605 lambs made 420p to 465p/kg, up by 20p/kg

Lambs at 23kg made £102.50 to £106. Lambs at 21kg and 21.5kg made £96 to £100.50.

In Saintfield, 605 lambs made 420p to 465p/kg, up by 20p/kg. Top price was £105 for 25kg, with a big run from £99 to £102.

Rathfriland had a show of 750 lambs. A buoyant trade saw prices of 450p to 483p/kg, with a sale average of 460p/kg, up by 32p/kg on last week.

Ewes

Well-fleshed fat ewes are still making good prices. Omagh sold ewes to £93, with Swatragh selling to £137 and Kilrea to £110. In Massereene, the top was £124 for Texel-cross ewes, with Charollais and Suffolk ewes to £106 and £104 respectively. Mules sold to £98 and Blackface to £67.

In Saintfield, the top was £101 and in Rathfriland, top was £119 for 202 head sold.

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