Sales have just started to get back under way, with the number of cattle passing through the rings still quite small so far.

Mart managers have said that where sales have taken place, the strongest demand is for good-quality forward store bullocks and heifers, with demand so far outstripping supply.

In some cases there have been reports of prices having risen slightly for these better-quality stores on the prices paid before Christmas, but as it is only early, and numbers are low, this could be down to supply and demand. Store cattle are holding firm, however in some cases the quality on offer has been mixed, and this is having an effect on average prices.

The weanling trade has started quite firm also, with prices slightly up on pre-Christmas levels but only for better-quality weanlings. Some of lighter weanlings have been met with more variable prices due to the quality on offer. Cull cow sales have started back strong with fleshed and short-keep cows still a very strong trade.

Steers

With sales starting small, the prices in the MartWatch table are only a rough guide. Better quality R+ and U grade forward store bullocks are being met with strong demand. There are reports of these better-quality types being up by €20/head as a result. Those from 500kg to 600kg are reported to be selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for R and U grades, with average prices up on the same time last year. Store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg are said to be steady at some sales. The quality of stock on offer is a little mixed so far.

Heifers

Like bullocks, forward store and short-keep heifers continue to be met with very strong demand, but the number on offer at most marts are very low. Those from 500kg to 600kg are selling from €1.95/kg to €2.10/kg for average-quality types while R+ and U grades are selling from €700 to €800 over the weight. Heifers from 400kg to 500kg are fairly steady, with prices running at similar levels to heavier types on a per kg basis. The quality of lighter stores is more mixed as numbers are small.

Weanlings

Good-quality continental-bred weanling bulls are said to be up a touch on where they were in mid-December. But with sales being small, this still may change in the coming weeks. The average 350kg bull is selling for about €780/head, with the top third making €900/head. The average 250kg bull sold for €560/head in the past week, with better quality types averaging €670 to €720. Weanling heifers are selling at similar prices to the equivalent bull, and like bulls, demand is strongest for better quality types.

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