The past week has seen a flurry of activity at marts throughout the country. At this stage, we are in peak spring sales; numbers passing through marts are very high and the trade is strong. In many cases, farmers who have sold in the past week have gotten slightly higher prices than the same time last year.

Forward store bullocks and fleshed bullocks and heifers continue to be the best trade, with factory agents actively sourcing fleshed cattle in marts.

On the weanling side, the majority of weanlings are being bought by farmer buyers. However, exporters are actively sourcing cattle for the Turkish and Italian markets.

The cow trade continues to be the talking point right across the country. Numbers passing through the marts are up and, in addition, factory agents and specialised feeders are driving prices of good-quality heavy slaughter-fit cows. In many cases, the prices achieved in marts are higher than what would be available going direct to slaughter. This is having a positive affect on cow numbers sold through marts also.

Steers

Feeder demand and grass demand are the drivers. The average 650kg steer (in low numbers) is selling from €2.00/kg for plain types to €2.30/kg for R grades and up to €2.45/kg or €1,600 for top-quality U grades. Those from 550kg to 600kg are selling from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg, with U grades making up to €2.60/kg. Where heavy Angus and Hereford bullocks are on offer, prices of €2.00/kg to €2.15/kg are available. Lighter continental stores from 400kg to 500kg are at prices similar to last year with the average 450kg making €1,020.

Heifers

Heifers over 600kg are very scarce. Those from 500kg to 600kg are selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg or from €1,100 to €1,380. Plainer types are selling from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg. Lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg are a slightly improved trade, with prices edging up by about €10 to €15/head on last week. The average 450kg heifer is selling for €1,040, with better-quality U grades making €1,150 to €1,200. Demand for plainer types can be a little mixed, but plain heifers are selling from €1.80/kg or €850 for 450kg to €950.

Weanlings

Feeders are active for good-quality forward bulls for feeding. Those over 450kg that are R grades and capable of feeding into U are being met with the best demand. Prices are running mainly from €2.30/kg for R grades to €2.65/kg or €1,200/head for better-quality U grades. The average 350kg bull is making €800 to €900, with better-quality types making up to €1,050. The weanling heifer trade has seen prices improve slightly once again, driven by farmer demand. Those from 300kg to 400kg are selling from €700 to €960.

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