The number of cattle sales in the MartBids database increased by over 15% in the last week, with some categories of stock witnessing a doubling in throughput.
This is not surprising, with sales entering peak spring activity as farmers begin to empty sheds in response to purchasing activity for farmers looking to source cattle for summer grazing systems.
While weather is not ideal, for many such farmers there is a preference to purchase now, as delaying will only serve to push the sale date to comply with the 28-week retention period until late in the year.
The presence of buyers purchasing for summer grazing systems has inserted more competition into the trade for weanlings and light stores and is limiting any reduction in prices stemming from continued pressure on beef prices.
MartBids analysis shows the average bullock weighing 400kg to 500kg trading on average for €4.07/kg.
The top third of bullocks in this weight category are averaging €4.72/kg, with a selection of top-quality yearling bullocks with good weight for age topping €5/kg and selling to upwards of €5/kg for cattle primed to thrive once turned outdoors.
Meanwhile, Friesian bullocks are selling anywhere from €2.90/kg to €3.60/kg, with select lots hitting €3.70/kg and slightly higher.
The average price for cattle weighing in excess of 600kg is €3.91/kg, with the top third averaging €4.39/kg.
Friesian bullocks are selling in the main from €3/kg to €3.50/kg, with Angus and Hereford-crosses from €3.40/kg to €3.75/kg, with some top-quality lots above this range.
Average heifer prices are stronger than bullocks, owing to the fact that there is no influence of Friesians. Again, young store heifers with good weight for age are attracting the keenest demand, while there is ongoing demand for heifers with breeding potential.
There is a wide differential of upwards of 60c/kg to 80c/kg between Angus-crosses and Hereford-crosses, given a growing range in quality. The general run of price ranges from €3.45/kg to €3.80/kg, with a 10c/kg to 15c/kg variance either side of this range based on extremes in quality.
These types have also faced the greatest price pressure in terms of slaughter-fit stock.
A high percentage are from €3.30/kg to €3.60/kg, with top-quality lots to €3.80/kg.
A price range of €3.90/kg to €4.20/kg is buying a good percentage of slaughter-fit and forward stores, with some U grading types to €4.40/kg to €4.50/kg.
Weanling bulls are steady, with some fancy prices for top-quality lots, aided by continued keen demand from live exporters.
The top third of bulls weighing from 300kg to 400kg are a sharp trade, averaging €5.78/kg, with the average price just shy of €5/kg.
This is similar for heavier bulls weighing from 400kg to 450kg. Heavier bulls are a lower price per kilo, with the top third at €5/kg and the average price at €4.39/kg.
Cow trade
MartBids analysis shows cow prices easing by 4c/kg to 13c/kg in the last week.
The top third of cows reduced by 13c/kg to average €3.45/kg, while the average price eased by 8c/kg to €2.88/kg. The bottom third reduced by the lowest figure of 4c/kg to €2.88/kg.
Small numbers of dairy cows were traded in the last week. The top third of cows averaged €2,563 per head, with the average price at €2,158 and the bottom third at €1,718. The lower prices were for aged cows with a very low mature weight.
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