The number of better-quality cattle on offer in marts is declining. Demand is still strong and, as a result, good-quality cattle have seen a slight improvement in prices.
However, the number of lesser-quality types on offer continues to increase, causing MartWatch figures to show a slight weakening in average prices.
At weanling sales, there has been an increase in the supply of lighter weanlings in the past week, but demand for all weanling types continues to be strong.
Exporters remain active for light calves and this, combined with strong farmer activity, is resulting in a strong and steady trade for all weanlings.
Even where light bucket fed runner calves are coming to the fore in the south, they are being met with strong demand and good prices leaving only a small differential between the price of these and the prices of light suckler-bred weanlings.
Steers
Forward stores over 600kg are being met with strong feeder demand, with more finishers active in the marts again. The availability for good-quality forwards stores has reduced slightly resulting in a slightly better trade for these types. Prices are averaging from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg for average-quality forward types and up to €2.25/kg for U grades. Those from 500kg to 600kg remain a firm trade, but the quality on offer has reduced. This is more evident in the case of stores from 400kg to 500kg.
Heifers
Heifer prices have seen a slight improvement in some areas, according to mart managers. In some cases prices have increased by €20/head to €30/head. The quality of heifers on offer, like for steers, is an issue, with more plainer and lighter ones coming to the fore. The average 550kg heifer is making €1,100, with U grades making €1225/head. Heifers from 400kg to 500kg are selling from€2.00/kg to €2.10/kg and up to €2.25/kg in some suckler areas for average-quality types.
Weanlings
Shipper activity is helping to keep a firm floor under weanling prices, particularly light types. Farmers are also actively buying at ringsides. However, there has been an increase in the supply of lighter weanlings and lesser-quality weanlings, which is reducing MartWatch prices. The average 350kg bull is making €790. With heifers running about €15-20/head behind this. Bulls from 200kg to 300kg are still a strong trade and are selling from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg with Frieisians making from €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg.
Shippers and farmers keep a firm floor under weanling prices
Strong trade for quality at Enniscorthy
Strong trade for quality continues at Ballymena