The weanling trade has taken an upwards turn at long last, which will be welcomed by suckler farmers looking to sell the current calf crop. However, while MartWatch data shows prices to have risen for weanlings, this has been driven by an increase in the quality of bulls and heifers on offer on account of special sales which are currently taking place.
The weanling trade has taken an upwards turn at long last, which will be welcomed by suckler farmers looking to sell the current calf crop.
However, while MartWatch data shows prices to have risen for weanlings, this has been driven by an increase in the quality of bulls and heifers on offer on account of special sales which are currently taking place.
Export activity is said to be very weak and while there are some exporters buying, the overall numbers being sourced are well back on last year.
While good-quality weanling bulls and heifers have been met with strong demand, mostly from farmers, mart managers are still saying that where plain cattle of any kind are on offer, then prices are still under pressure and they are slower to sell.
Where good-quality forward store bullocks and heifers are on offer, then prices are steady, but, again, plainer types, and especially Friesians, are still a difficult sell.
The cull cow trade is firm. Where Friesian cows are coming through marts, prices of €1.00/kg to €1.20/kg are common. The number of continental culls on offer is said to be low.
Steers
Good-quality steers over 600kg are steady and selling at €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg and up to €2.20/kg on average in stronger suckler areas. In dairy areas, prices are easier, with more plainer cattle coming out. The top third of bullocks over 600kg are selling from €1,250 to €1,500, depending on quality. Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg have seen price pressure also, due to an increase of plainer-quality bullocks on offer. Light stores from 400kg to 500kg are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types where continentals are on offer.
Heifers
Heavy heifers, like bullocks, are still in demand. Where good-quality types are on offer, prices of €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg are common. The top third are making from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg are more common and a steady trade. The most demand is for R+ and U grade types and farmer and feedlot buyers continue to underpin the trade. The average 550kg continental heifer is making €2.20/kg. The average 450kg heifer is making twice the weight to €2.25/kg in stronger suckler areas.
Weanlings
The weanling trade has seen some improvement on the back of some special weanling sales which are currently taking place. Demand continues to be mainly farmer-led, with feedlot buyers sourcing choice bulls for further feeding. Export activity is low, but there are buyers still active for specific bulls. The average 350kg bull is selling for just shy of €800/head, with the top third making €2.70/kg or €945/head. Light bulls and heifers are still a slower sell than heavier types.
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