SHARING OPTIONS:
The beef trade in Northern Ireland is on a positive footing, with prices rising as processing demand grows. The sheep trade has steadied, with the live ring keeping competition in the market.
There is much more life in the beef trade this week as processors react to tighter supplies and a rampant market in Britain.
Processing demand is running well ahead of supplies, putting farmers in the driving seat when negotiating on price.
With factories hungry for stock, farmers report they are being contacted by cattle agents working for different plants and a range of price deals are on offer.
The performance of the sheep trade for the year to date continues to set price records, with spring lambs now added to the list.
Factory lamb prices range in general from €7.80/kg to €8/kg, with some deals completed at a 10c/kg to 15c/kg higher level with regular suppliers supplying high numbers.
While factories have been keen to get their hands on spring lambs, they remain a small component of overall throughput, with hoggets dominating the trade.
The trade for hoggets had eased slightly in places at the end of last week and start of this week, with prices ranging from €7.15/kg to €7.30/kg.