Factory prices for finished cattle and lambs continue to rise in Northern Ireland, as processors continue to chase supplies.
Throughput increased marginally by 1,487 head, but remains a massive 18,613 head below the corresponding week in 2023.
Robust processing demand has driven prime cattle prices to record highs in Northern Ireland. Lamb prices are also edging up with quotes on 640p/kg.
Quotes on prime cattle continue to rise at NI plants, while deals are available that pay to a higher weight limit on fat lambs.
Competition for fat lambs is intensifying with plants offering higher prices and increasing weight limits to secure numbers.
The IFA's sheep chair put the Agri-Food Regulator to task on the lack of accurate information on sheep prices that farmers currently face.
Base quotes for fat lambs continue to rise and now stand at 635p/kg at plants in NI
Heavier and well-fleshed lambs are meeting a sharp trade, with factory agents competing with butcher, wholesale and live export demand.
Tighter supply is fuelling demand across all categories of stock with breeding ewe hoggets and rams enjoying a vibrant trade and store and finished lambs meeting keener demand.