Mart managers have said that the trade has held firm in most areas in the past week. Grass buyer activity continues to increase, with good ground conditions and grass supplies, particularly in the south, which have coaxed more buyers to the ringside.
The trade for forward and fleshed cattle remains firm, with slightly more bite in demand for stores in the past week. Overage cattle are holding firm where they are carrying flesh. However, overage store cattle are a little weaker than previous weeks.
With a number of special sales taking place currently, the quality of cattle on offer continues to be very high at most marts.
Exporter activity for weanlings continues to be lower than last autumn. However, they continue to be active in some areas for weanling bulls and heifers.
Calf prices have only slipped marginally despite increased numbers. Exporter buyers are placing a firm floor under the trade for light calves.
Steers
Fleshed bullocks continue to be met with strong feeder demand. The average 650kg steer is making €1,345, with top-quality U grade types making up to €1,500. Where overage cattle are on offer, plainer types are being met with weaker demand. Bullocks from 400kg to 500kg are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg or €1,020 for 450kg, while the top third are making from €1,100 to €1,200/head. In dairy areas, Friesian and lesser-quality traditional crosses are available in numbers and prices of €1.60/kg to €1.75/kg for stores is common.
Heifers
The heifer trade remains strong and steady. Forward types over 600kg, although scarce, continue to demand premium prices, with the average 600kg heifer making €600 to €750 along with the weight. Lighter stores from 500kg to 600kg are firm also and are selling from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg and up to €2.50/kg, or €1,375, for 500kg in some areas for U grades. Lighter store heifers from 400kg to 500kg are steady to slightly improved, backed by strong farmer activity.
Weanlings
Weanlings remain firm. Exporters are active, but not driving the trade like before Christmas. The main demand is stemming from farmer activity for grass cattle. In stronger suckler areas, weanling bulls are making from €500 to €650 along with the weight. Dairy-bred stock are averaging close to €2.00/kg. Light bulls remain a strong trade, with the average 250kg bull making €630 and up to €700 where quality is higher. Weanling heifers from 300kg to 400kg are being met with strong farmer demand, selling at similar prices to bulls.
Grass buyer activity increasing in recent weeks
Farmer demand growing at Ardee Mart
Friesian bull calf prices ease slightly as numbers jump