This is a subscriber-only article
Where good-quality R and U grades are available, they continue to be quite firm, with heavy bullocks and heifers continuing to be a strong trade.
However, beef price pressure is starting to have an impact for heavy types.
The weanling trade has been most affected by larger entries of plainer cattle and, as a result, there is some price pressure.
Exporter activity for light bulls and heifers is firm, as they continue to source for shipping.
The cow trade has seen much higher supplies of cows on offer at marts compared with the same time last year. Prices are quite steady for fleshed types, but plainer feeding cows are being met with a little less activity.
Steers
Forward bullocks over 600kg are reasonably firm, but, in recent days, prices have started to slip slightly. The average 650kg bullock sold for €1,352/head. Forward stores over 500kg are selling from €2.05/kg to €2.25/kg, with top-quality bullocks making up to €2.55/kg or €1,400 for 550kg. Lighter store bullocks are reasonably steady and those from 400kg to 500kg are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types. Where plainer Angus and Herefords are on offer, prices of €1.85/kg to €2.00/kg are common.
Heifers
Like bullocks, there has been a slight price slippage in forward stores, but the quality of those on offer has dropped also. Prices are ranging mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for R grades from 500kg to 600kg. Lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg have remained a steady trade, with plenty of farmers still buying. The average 450kg heifer sold for €1,000 last week, with plainer types making from €870 upwards. Top-quality heifers in the same weight range continue to sell for up to €2.55/kg or €1,150/head.
Weanlings
Quality is having a larger effect on weanling prices. More plainer types have caused average prices to slip by up to €20/head at some marts. The average 350kg bull is making €2.26/kg or almost €800/head. The equivalent heifer is making about €40/head more. Top-quality heifers and bulls in the same weight range are steady and are selling from €2.75/kg to €2.77/kg. Lighter heifers under 300kg have seen prices drop where more of a dairy influence is on offer. In strong suckler areas, prices remain firm.
Quality forward stores in demand but quality on offer dropping
Average calf prices edge up slightly due to low supply
Short-keep steers and heifers brisk at Balla
Price firm as numbers fall at Skibbereen
Northern comment: Strong trade for quality stores at Ballymena
SHARING OPTIONS: