Market Update
The following base quotes from 2 of 3 plants (p/kg) are for
R3 Hoggets
650 - 655p/kg up to 22.5kg (at Wed 18 Feb 2026)
| Mart Report W/E 19/02/2026 | Mart | Number of Hoggets | Price Range Hoggets (p/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Omagh | 540 | 593 - 634 |
| Swatragh | 800 | 600 - 645 | |
| Monday | Kilrea | 1050 | 600 - 658 |
| Markethill | 830 | 590 - 655 | |
| Tuesday | Saintfield | 500 | 595 - 700 |
| Rathfriland | - | - | |
| Wednesday | Ballymena | - | - |
| Enniskillen | 482 | 620 - 650 | |
| Armoy | 370 | 550 - 630 |
LMC terms and phrases explained
| Term | Definiton |
|---|---|
| What is an average price? | To calculate the average price per kg we divide the total price paid for carcases within a particular group or grade of animal by the cold weight of these carcases. This average price paid per kg therefore includes all carcases in a particular group or grade. The average reflects the central value in the data. |
| What is a premium animal? | Premium cattle are animals which receive a bonus payment (p/kg) and include organic cattle and breeds such as Aberdeen Angus, Wagyu and Hereford. |
| What are quotes? | Currently there are 7 price reporting plants and LMC receive quotes from between 4 and 6 plants each week. Using the maximum and minimum quote received from plants forms the basis of the published range of quotes. LMC requests quotes up to 3 times each week. Quotes are in pence per kilogram excluding VAT and are provided on standard dressing specifications. |
| Why are there two quotes? | Published quotes are provided with both the lowest quote and the highest quote received across supplying plants on that occasion. The difference between the maximum and the minimum quote received is referred to as the range. The range in quotes provided to LMC can vary each week but is generally around 13 pence per kilo. |
| What is a base quote? | LMC base quote refers to the price for a U-3 steer. It is referred to as the standard or base specification. It is from this point that the price of an animal is calculated. |
| Why is there a difference between quote and price paid? | Quotes vary across plants contacted. The range of quotes is published by LMC. LMC published prices are based on an average of 7 plants. Prices paid to producers will differ for carcases above the base quality specifications. Conversely there will be deductions for carcases falling below the base or standard specification. Actual prices received by a producer also depend on age, weight, FQAS status and country of origin. |