Trade is generally firm currently, driven by strong farmer and feeder demand, while exporters are also helping to keep a floor under prices of lighter types. Forward cattle are steady, with cull cows continuing to be brisk in some areas. The cull cow trade is strong and steady, with plenty of demand from feeders who have already slaughtered stock and are coming back to the marts to source more.

The short-keep cow is by far the best trade, with continentals selling from €1.70/kg to €1.85/kg, while fleshed and slaughter-fit continentals are making from €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg. The number of feeding Friesian cows on offer is small, and prices are ranging mainly from €200 to €380 along with the weight. Plain and thin older cows are selling from €1.10/kg upwards.

Steers

Bullocks over 600kg are steady, with continentals making from €2.20/kg for R grades to €2.40/kg at the top of the market for top-quality U grades. Stores from 500kg to 600kg are steady also, with the average 550kg steer making €1,150. Angus and Hereford O grade bullocks are selling at similar prices to the equivalent R grade continental. Stores from 400kg to 500kg saw price ease slightly in some areas dues to plainer stock on show. The average 450kg steer sold for €980, with U grades making €1,150.

Heifers

Heifers over 600kg are very scarce on the ground. Top-quality 600kg heifers sold from €1,240 to €1,400. Those from 500kg to 600kg are available in larger numbers than heavy types. The average quality R grade heifer is making €1,210 for 550kg, while 400kg to 500kg types are selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg. Angus and Hereford heifers are still in very strong demand.

Lighter types saw larger numbers of plainer types of heifers on offer, which were making around €2.00/kg and slightly less.

Weanlings

Exporters and farmers are keeping life in the weanling trade. Some special autumn-born weanling sales have taken place and there are reports of strong demand for heavy types from feeders. Good-quality bulls over 400kg are selling from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg, with U+ and E grades making over €2.70/kg. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are steady, while those under 300kg are a little weaker, with plainer cattle on offer. The weanling heifer trade is solid for those over 300kg, with plainer types under 300kg resulting in slightly easier prices.

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