Prices have eased slightly in some areas. However, at this stage of the year, lower numbers and increased supply of lesser-quality lots naturally has a slight effect on average prices.

Mart managers continue to say that all good-quality cattle are a firm trade. In some cases, prices have increased slightly as demand outstrips supply. The best trade continues to be heavy bullocks and heifers, with feeders and finishers continuing to be active at ringsides. Store cattle are being snapped up by farmers. However, the quality of those on offer is a little more variable than in previous weeks. Where good-quality types are on offer, prices are firm. But plainer types are being met with a slightly weaker trade.

The calf trade and cull cow trades continue to be very strong and steady, with exporters and farmers active for all quality calves. Feeders and agents are still very active for cows. Short beef supplies are the main driver of this in the short-term, but it is having a very positive effect on the feeding cow trade also.

Steers

Good-quality short-keep steers are a firm trade, with R grades selling from €2.15/kg to €2.25/kg and U grades making from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg or from €1,350 to €1,500/head. Lighter store cattle are firm, but plainer types are being met with a little more variable demand. The average 500kg steer is making €1,080, back €20 on last week. However, it is in lighter stores that we see much more variable prices. The average 450kg steer is making €975, with U grades making over €1,150.

Heifers

The heifer trade has been a little steadier than the store bullock trade. Heavy types are like hens’ teeth and where on offer are commanding prices up to €50/head more than the same time last year. The average 500kg heifer is making €1,100, while lighter stores around 450kg are making €1,020. U grades are making a premium of €120 to €150/head over average-quality heifers. Where good-quality Angus and Herefords are on offer, they continue to be met with a good trade, with prices ranging mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.25/kg.

Weanlings

The past week has seen much more variable entries of weanlings in several parts of the country. Sales in the south have seen a greater proportion of dairy-cross stock on offer, which has affected the average prices in the MartWatch tables. In suckler areas, bulls under 300kg have been relatively steady, but prices have eased by €10 to €20/head in some cases, with a little reduction in the quality available. The average 350kg bull is selling for €805, with prices rising to €3.00/kg and more for top-quality types.

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