The past week has seen a marked increase in the numbers of cattle passing through marts right across the country.
The worsening ground conditions and the imminent arrival of storm Lorenzo have been the main drivers of the increase.
Despite larger numbers on offer, the trade has held quite well. MartWatch data shows prices to have eased, but this has mainly been driven by an increased supply of plainer cattle right across the country.
Where good-quality suckler-bred stock are on offer, mart managers are reporting that prices being paid are holding firm, especially for weanlings.
Exporters are reported to still be very active right across the country so far, but there could be a slight lull in demand, with reduced exports because of the adverse weather this week.
The cow trade has been reported to be fairly firm, but with numbers on offer starting to increase quickly, prices could be affected in the coming weeks, especially with lower prices being quoted at factory level.
Steers
An increase in plainer-quality stock has resulted in a dip in forward store cattle prices. The majority of the price pressure is in the south, with an increase of dairy-cross stock. Angus and Herefords with a dairy background have also seen an easing of prices. Forward continental bullocks over 600kg are from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg, but where traditional breeds are on offer, prices of €1.65/kg to €1.80/kg are common. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg have seen prices ease slightly. The gap between the top and bottom third is 70c/kg.
Heifers
Heifer prices have slipped also, with quality one of the main factors affecting prices. Continentals are holding better than dairy-cross stock. Average prices are back by 5c to 8c/kg in some areas and, as a result, the average 550kg heifer is selling for €1,067/head, with U grades making €1,188/head. Lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg have seen prices ease, with the largest falls in the south and mainly for dairy-cross and plainer-quality heifers. In stronger suckler areas, 450kg continentals are selling for €2.25/kg to €2.30/kg on average.
Weanlings
The average 350kg weanling bull is making €791/head or €2.26/kg, which is on par with last year. At the top of the market, well-muscled bulls suitable for export are selling from €2.60/kg to €2.80/kg on average. While the average 350kg bull is selling on par with the same time last year, forward feeding bulls from 450kg to 500kg are back by about €150/head. Light bulls from 250kg to 300kg are running 9c/kg or €20 to €25/head above the same week last year. Heifers from 300kg to 400kg are running 7c/kg or €20 to €28/head behind.
Camera at the Mart: farmers and exporters drive the trade at Roscommon
Camera at the Mart: strong trade for quality heifers and cows at Sixmilebridge
Camera at the Mart: strong shippers and farmer demand keeps prices steady
Camera at the Mart: super trade for weanlings at Swatragh Mart
NI trends: beef prices holding steady as plants cut lamb quotes