The mart trade has continued to be quite strong in the majority of areas. Where forward continental stores are on offer, they are continuing to be snapped up by feeders and farmers, while store demand is strong right across the country.
The talking point at most marts is the exceptionally strong cow trade. Agents and specialist finishers are continuing to pay premium prices at the ringsides for feeding and slaughter fit cows.
In the majority of cases, farmers who have small numbers of fleshed or short-keep cows to offload are receiving more in the mart ring than by going direct to slaughter.
The heifer trade has continued to be quite steady. The wet weather last week did have a slight dampening effect on prices, but it was short-lived, with renewed farmer demand evident in recent days.
The weanling trade has remained firm, with farmers and exporters now active in the market place.
Export demand is generally for average-quality bulls from 200kg to 300kg.
Steers
The forward store trade has remained firm with feeders and finishers active. Those over 600kg are selling from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg for R grades and up to €2.35/kg or €800 with the weight for U grades. Stores from 500kg to 600kg are selling from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg or €1,100 to €1,380 for R and U grades. Farmer activity for light stores is strong and steady, with prices steady to slightly improved in some areas due to the weather. The average 450kg steer is making €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg and up to €2.60/kg for top-quality U grades.
Heifers
Like the bullock trade, specialist feeders remain quite active for forward and short-keep heifers, and prices are firm. Farmers are the main buyers of all types of store heifers, with those over 500kg selling mainly from €1,150 to €1,250 for R grades and upwards of €1,300/head for U grades. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg are being met with solid farmer demand. The average 450kg heifer sold for €1,013/head last week, just €40/head less than the same week last year.
Weanlings
The weanling bull trade has seen a slight lift in the past week, but mainly for light types due to improved exporter activity. However, farmer demand continues to dominate for all good-quality types from 300kg to 400kg, with prices ranging from €750 to €950 for average-quality types and up to €2.90/kg paid for top-quality bulls. Feeders continue to sources those over 450kg for further feeding at prices of €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg. Weanling heifers continue to be a strong trade, with those from 300kg to 400kg at €700 to €950.
Grass buyers active for store cattle at Mountrath Mart
Prices ease slightly as numbers peak
Average of €1,580 at Nenagh dairy show and sale
Strong cull ewe demand at Ballinasloe
Lively store trade at Lisnaskea Mart
A guide to special and upcoming sales in the marts in the coming weeks