Prices of good quality continental cattle have remained steady in recent days, with heifers demanding higher prices than the equivalent store bullock.

Store bullocks from 500kg to 600kg are selling on average from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg, or €20 to €30 below the same time last year. U grade steers have been a firm trade and are selling for €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg.

However, with demand reducing, lesser quality lots continue to be a more difficult and slower sell. Factory fit bullocks and heifers remain in low supply and agent activity has reduced in recent days. Lighter store bullocks have been a steady trade also and are currently selling from €2.00/kg to €2.15/kg depending on quality. Better quality types are making from €2.30/kg to over €2.40/kg.

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Heifer prices for quality lots remains strong. The average 500kg to 600kg heifer is selling at similar prices to the equivalent steer at €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg on average. Lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg are making from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg for average quality lots in most areas, with the top third in terms of quality making up to €2.32/kg.

The weanling trade has firmed up again and is steady. Reducing numbers on offer is in parallel with reducing demand. Like stores, quality lots continue to be a good trade, but lesser quality types are receiving poorer prices. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg continue to sell from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg on average with the top third in terms of quality making from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg.

Demand for lesser quality types has reduced, and that again this week can be seen in prices. Lighter weanling bulls weighing 200kg to 300kg are selling from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg with the top third, in terms of quality, selling from €2.80/kg to €3.00/kg. Weanling heifer prices have eased also. Heifers from 300kg to 400kg are selling mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg with the top third in terms of quality selling from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg.