Trade has been quite firm, with some improved trade for forward beef cattle and short-keep types. Stores from 400kg to 500kg have been quite steady, as have weanling bulls.

When we compare current prices to the same time last year, forward and short-keep store cattle are up by €50 to €60/head, driven by a strong beef trade. However, plainer cattle continue to be met with a little less demand and more variable prices.

In the case of dairy heifers, while sales in marts were strong in November and December, recent weeks have seen a fall-off in in-calf heifer demand, driven primarily by fodder and negative milk price forecasts.

While larger groups are selling from farm to farm, prices are only marginally ahead of last year.

Steers

A combination of less dairy influence of the steers recorded in the MartWatch system combined with continued strong demand for slaughter-fit and short-keep bullocks has had a positive affect on mart prices. The average 600kg steer sold for €1,230, with U grades making €1,440/head. Average prices of these are up €50 to €60/head on last week, with top-quality bullocks up by as much as €120/head on the same period. However, this is on the back of small numbers. Store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg are a steady trade.

Heifers

Demand for heifers over the past two weeks is slightly increased, with plenty of farmer and feeder demand for top-quality and average-quality types. The average 550kg heifer sold for €1,200, with the top third making up to €1,380/head. Where heavy Angus and Herefords were on offer, prices of €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg were common. Lighter store heifers continue to be a very strong trade, with the average 450kg heifer selling for €980. In the store category the price difference between average and plain cattle is much greater.

Weanlings

Weanling bulls remain a strong and steady trade. Numbers on offer are well reduced, but where Charolais and Limousin bulls are on offer, they are a very strong trade. The average 350kg bull is making €765/head, while top-quality types are making from €900 to €1,000. Friesian weanlings under 300kg are selling mainly from €1.50/kg to €1.80/kg depending on weight and quality. Weight for age and covering of flesh are the main factors affecting prices here. The weanling heifer trade has ended very strong with prices up marginally on last week.

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