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Market Update 5/03/08

Wednesday 5th March 2008

Prime cattle prices under pressure

Quotes for prime cattle are unchanged at the majority of plants at 250p for U3 grades, with one still quoting 252p for top grade heifers.  A couple of plants have reduced their quotes by 2p to 248-250p for prime stock.  Increased supplies are given as the reason for the slight weakening in price.  Processors have not been fully able to pass on their increased raw material costs to their customers, which is also a factor behind prices coming under pressure.  Cows were unchanged at 200-206p.

Hoggets 290p

Hoggets are steady at 290p at the plants.  Price have eased slightly at some marts, but trade was slightly firmer at others.  Latest mart prices (p/kg):

·        Rathfriland (Tues evening): hoggets 268p

·        Martinstown (Tues evening): hoggets 243-276p

·        Ballymena: hoggets 264p

·        Enniskillen: lambs 255-278p