The past week has seen another solid trade for good-quality continental cattle and weanlings. However, in certain areas, there has been a slight drop in the quality of cattle available, with more sales seeing plainer types. These plainer types are pushing average prices in MartWatch south. However, mart managers have said that the trade has continued to be very solid for all good-quality types, with forward stores and weanling strong.
The past week has seen another solid trade for good-quality continental cattle and weanlings. However, in certain areas, there has been a slight drop in the quality of cattle available, with more sales seeing plainer types.
These plainer types are pushing average prices in MartWatch south. However, mart managers have said that the trade has continued to be very solid for all good-quality types, with forward stores and weanling strong.
While the cull cow trade was met with a slight wobble a few weeks back, prices paid for fleshed and forward feeding cows continue to be quite steady.
Despite attempts by factories to pull cow prices, the prices paid for slaughter-fit types at marts continues to be fairly steady. The weanling trade is strong. Exporters continue to be active and farmer activity is matching supply to hold prices reasonably firm. In more southern areas, dairy -cross cattle are more plentiful, but demand is steady, particularly for traditional breeds and good-quality Friesians.
Steers
Forward stores over 600kg are very scarce now, but, where available, farmers are being paid well for holding them until now. The average 650kg steer is making €1,415/head, with 600kg fleshed Friesians making over €1,100. Stores from 500kg to 600kg are reasonably steady, especially where good-quality continentals are available. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg are selling from €945 to €1,050 for average-quality types. Quality continentals in the same category continue to be met with strong farmer demand.
Heifers
Like forward bullocks, heavy heifers over 600kg are like hen’s teeth and prices have strengthened once again as a result. The average 600kg heifer sold for €1,320, with plainer types still making twice their weight. Store heifers over 500kg are selling mainly from €1,100 to €1,300 for average-quality types. Light store heifers have seen average prices on MartWatch fall, but this is mainly due to an increase in poorer-quality types available. Again, where quality is high, prices are holding steady.
Weanlings
The quality on offer is more under pressure in the case of lighter types. Increased entries of Friesians and derivatives in stronger dairy areas are pushing average prices down. However, continental-bred weanlings are holding firm, backed by strong farmer and exporter demand. The average 350kg bull is making €800 to €850, with the top third making upwards of €3.00/kg. Weanling heifers are a fairly firm trade, with 300kg to 400kg selling from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg, with lighter types making €2.60/kg to €2.70/kg.
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