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In the west and midlands, sale numbers continue to be high, but they are expected to fall in the coming weeks.
The trade for all good-quality cattle remains firm, but plain-quality cattle are becoming harder and harder sold by the week, with dairy crosses feeling the pain.
The cull cow trade can only be described as brisk for any good-quality well-fleshed types. There are more Friesian cows coming straight from the parlour now, with prices averaging at about €1.00/kg.
Where thin old cows and Jersey-crosses are coming to the fore, prices of €0.80/kg to €0.90/kg are more common.
The weanling trade continues to be firm and strong, with most farmers happy with prices. Exporter demand is a fraction of what it was at this stage last year and, bearing this in mind, the trade has held phenomenally well.
Steers
Good-quality R+ and U grade continental bullocks that are well fleshed are a firm trade, with prices of €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg being paid for these. Average prices are running 7c to 10c/kg or €35 to €60/head above the same time last year. However, this is stemming from a slightly stronger beef trade this year when compared with the same week last year. Stores from 500kg to 600kg are firm, with an increased supply of plainer types coming to the fore which is impacting on average prices.
Heifers
The heifer trade is strong and steady. Heavy types continue to be met with strong buyer activity while all good-quality stores are firm. In some areas, where good-quality continental heifers are on offer, prices have edged up slightly once again and heifers are easier sold. The average 550kg heifer is making €1,150, with U grades making €1,250 to €1,320. Dairy-crosses are selling from €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg, depending on quality, with plain types particularly hard sold.
Weanlings
The weanling trade is steady for quality types, but increased supply of plainer bulls has led to a reduction in the MartWatch average prices.
The average 350kg bull is making €805, with heifers just slightly behind this. Demand for heavy feeding bulls remains firm, with feeder buyers actively sourcing R+ and U grades from €1,000 to €1,300.
Light bulls and heifers from 250kg to 300kg have eased slightly. Farmer demand for these is steady, but where poor-quality types are on offer, prices are variable.
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