The real talking point in the past few days has been special weanling sales, which have seen intense farmer, feeder and exporter demand drive the prices of all top-quality lots.

Despite some sales being buoyant, there have been more reports of a much more variable trade in some areas, especially for lesser-quality cattle, where there have been fewer buyers active at the ringside.

The weather has played its part in this also, as the good weather over the early part of the week saw a farmer flurry of activity in the fields, tidying up silage and other jobs before yesterdays rain.

Steers

The bullock trade has been quite good, particularly for forward types, which have seen a steady to slightly improved trade in some areas.

Plainer cattle continue to come under more pressure, with dairy-crosses and Friesians much slower to sell.

Light stores from 400kg to 500kg have seen prices ease also due to weather and quality issues. The average 450kg steer sold for €930, with the average 550kg making just shy of €1,200. The average 600kg bullock made just over €1,200, with the top third making €1,360.

Heifers

The heifer trade has come under more pressure than bullocks. This has been driven primarily by less demand and more plainer types available.

In heavy land areas, the recent heavy rain is forcing larger numbers to mart rings and, in some cases, there is less buyer activity.

Average prices are now running slightly behind the same time last year.

The average 550kg heifer made €1,127, with the top third in the same weight range making over €1,260. The average 450kg heifer sold for €927, just over weanling prices.

Weanlings

With most special weanling sales now over, average prices in the MartWatch system are now settling down again. Like older cattle, weanlings have seen prices take a hit on account of weather. However, exporter and farmer demand still remains strong, with better-quality bulls and heifers said to be holding firm.

Plainer-quality weanling bulls and heifers are feeling the brunt of the ease in prices, particularly where there is some dairy influence.

Read more

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