The mart trade is said to be strong and steady. Numbers on offer are continuing to rise, with the best demand for forward and short-keep types. Those that are suitable for a short-keep feed are reasonably scarce and with strong feeder activity, prices are on par with where they were this time last year for those types.

The store and weanling trades continue to be dominated by farmer demand. However, there has been some signs of renewed exporter activity for both weanling bulls and heifers. This, combined with farmers buying a little earlier for grass, has helped in keeping the trade firm for all quality stores.

Lesser-quality types continue to be met with a variable trade in some areas. However, where good-quality Friesian stores are on offer, they continue to be a firm trade.

Cull cow numbers and demand for cull cows continues to be very strong right around the country, with agents continuing to be active for fleshed types.

Steers

The average 550kg store bullock is currently selling for €1,210/head, with U grades making over €1,340/head. Where Angus and Herefords are on offer, prices are averaging from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg and up to €2.20/kg in some cases. Lighter store bullocks are being met with strong farmer demand, with grass buyers active. Martwatch figures show the prices to have increased, but this is down to a decrease in the number of plainer types recorded. Prices in the main are steady at €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types.

Heifers

The heifer trade has been steady. In recent days, some mart managers have pointed towards a slight increase in the demand for heifers. The average 500kg heifer is making €1,000 to €1,100, with better-quality types making up to €1,300. Lighter store heifers are steady also, with average-quality types making from €2.15/kg to €2.30/kg, while U grades are making up to €2.50/kg. The average 450kg heifer is making €1,000, with the top third making over €1,100/head.

Weanlings

Farmers and exporters are active for weanlings. Heavy bulls over 450kg are being snapped up by feeders at prices of €1,050 to €1,200. Lighter types from 300kg to 400kg are selling from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg, with the top third making from €2.70/kg to €2.91/kg. Light weanling bulls continue to be a very strong trade and are making from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg, similar to last year. Top-quality types are easily making over €3.00/kg. The weaning heifer trade is currently very similar to the bull trade in terms of price per kilo.

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