The past week has seen a fairly strong trade for good-quality cattle. In some cases, mart managers are reporting a slight improvement in prices.

In some areas, there has been an increased supply of lesser- and mixed-quality weanlings and stores, which are being met with a little lower clearance rates.

Forward store bullocks and heifers remain the strongest trade backed by firm demand and low supply.

Weanling prices have been hit with more variability resulting from increased numbers of lesser-quality types on offer. Forward bulls are variable, particularly where the quality is poor.

Average-quality weanling bulls remain steady, but plainer types are a slower sell in a lot of areas, with lower clearance rates.

Weanling heifers have been slightly less variable than bulls and farmer demand is solid. The cull cow trade remains quite firm despite more feeding cows coming on stream. However, thin and old cows are being met with reduced demand.

Steers

The store bullock trade has remained firm, with a little increased buyer demand in some areas as we approach the end of the year. Prices are ranging from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg for average-quality continentals, with U grades making over €2.20/kg. Average prices are running €70 to €75/head behind the same time last year. Stores from 400kg to 500kg have seen good-quality types hold firm, but there has been a slight increase in lesser-quality types on offer in some areas.

Heifers

The number of forward heifers on offer remains quite low across the country. Solid demand for top-quality types has resulted in a firm trade. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg have seen a slight strengthening in prices, particularly in recent days as a result of slightly improved farmer activity. The average 450kg heifer is making €920, with U grades making over €1,050/head. Plainer heifers continue to be met with weak demand right across the country and are a slower sell. Lower clearance rates are being seen where plain types are on offer.

Weanlings

Forward bulls over 450kg are variable, with U grade types making from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg, while average bulls are selling from €2.05/kg to €2.15/kg in many areas. Mart managers have said that there has been a little bit more bite in demand for light bulls from 200kg to 300kg, with more farmers purchasing. The average 250kg bull is making €2.35/kg to €2.45/kg. Heifers in the same weight are making from €600 to €650/head. Continental heifers from 300kg to 400kg remain steady at €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg in suckler areas.

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