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The mart trade has held fairly steady over the past week. The weather has dampened demand slightly in some areas, but overall the mood remains positive.
In the west and midlands, the trade for continental cattle remains strong, especially for good-quality types.
MartWatch figures show the store trade to have improved slightly. However, mart managers have pointed to a steady trade in recent days.
The trade for forward cattle remains strong, with plenty of feeders continuing to source cattle.
Farmer activity for lighter stores has been firm also, although heavy rain over the weekend dampened the mood early in the week.
The weanling trade has been quite firm also, but where plainer calves are on offer, prices are variable.
The cull cow trade has held quite firm for all warm and well-fed cows. However, where good-quality continental types are on offer, farmer buyers are active.
Steers
Forward and short-keep bullocks are strong. The average 600kg steer is currently making €1,290, but where the quality on offer is a little stronger they are making another €100. The average 550kg store is making €1,100 to €1,200 and up to €1,300 for top-quality types, while plainer Angus and Herefords in the same weight range are making from €1,050 to €1,150. Farmer demand for lighter store cattle is strong, despite the weather, with the average 450kg steer currently selling mainly from €950 to €1,100.
Heifers
The heifer trade has remained fairly steady. In some areas, there was a bit more bite in the trade. The average 550kg heifer is currently making €1,200, with plainer types in the same weight range making from €1,050 to €1,100. Forward heifers continue to be met with the best demand, especially for all fleshed types. As a result, prices are ranging from €1,300 to €1,400 for those over 600kg. Lighter store heifers from 400kg to 500kg are currently selling from €1,000 to €1,100, with top-quality heifers making up to €1,200.
Weanlings
The weanling trade has remained firm. While export activity remains very limited at the ringside, farmer buyers are underpinning the trade. As a result, prices have remained firm. However, plainer cattle are feeling a little bit more pain in terms of prices, particularly in the south. The average weanling bull is currently making €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg or €780 to €850, while better-quality bulls in the same weight range are making up to €1,000. Weanling heifers in the same weight range are a slightly better trade than bulls.
Feeders and factory agents active in Kilrush
Farmers and feeders active at last Friday's show and sale in Gort
Farmers and exporters drive the trade in Castleisland
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