The past week has seen throughput through marts drop as we pass peak trade. Mart managers have said that the prices paid have remained firm, although in some areas there have been slightly increased numbers of lesser-quality cattle on offer, which are being met with more mixed demand.

The best trade continues to be for short-keep steers and heifers over 550kg. However, the number on offer continues to tighten week on week.

The light store cattle and weanling trade continues to be dominated by farmer demand, driven by grass. However, in many cases, buyers are beginning to fill orders and demand is starting to wean slowly.

The cow trade can only be described as being brisk. Fleshed and short-keep cows are making from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg, with young cow/heifers making over €2.20/kg in some areas. Demand for feeding cows is firm also, with the majority of continentals making from €1.65/kg to €1.85/kg. Friesian feeding cows are selling mainly from €1.00/kg for plain types to €1.30/kg for better-quality cows, with those carrying flesh making from €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg.

Steers

Heavy bullocks over 600kg are scarce, but feeders are active and paying from €2.10/kg to €2.40/kg or from €600 to €840 over the weight. Lighter stores from 500kg to 600kg are making from €550 to €850 over the weight. Where Angus and Herefords are on offer, prices of €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg are being easily achieved and, in some instances, good-quality Friesians are making up to €2.00/kg. Light stores from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types and up to €2.70/kg for top-quality U grades.

Heifers

Heavy heifers are much scarcer than heavy steers. Those over 600kg are selling mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg and up to €2.50/kg for top-quality types. The average forward store heifer of about 550kg is making €1,230/head, with U grades making over €1,350/head. Farmers continue to be the main source of demand for lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg and the prices paid for these are firm. The average 450kg heifer sold for €1,050 last week, with plainer heifers making from €900 upwards.

Weanlings

The weanling trade has held firm. Numbers have dropped slightly, but average prices remain firm. The average 350kg bull is selling for just €12/head less than the same time last year at €830/head. The bottom third are making €650 and the top third are averaging €1,000/head. Light bulls under 300kg are a firm trade also. However, where plainer types from the dairy herd are on offer, prices are more mixed. Friesians are selling from €1.60/kg to €1.85/kg. Weanling heifers are firm and selling from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for average 350kg types.

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