The mart trade and beef trade had a steady week’s trading last week.
Taking a look at this week’s Irish Farmers Journal Martbids analysis table shows that top quality bull weanlings in the 300-400kg weight category continue to knock on the door of €6/kg.
Heifer weanlings also took a big jump this week with increased farmer demand in a number of marts for weanling heifers.
Aurivo Marts in Mohill had its special Monaghan day sale with just over 450 bull weanlings going through the ring on Wednesday.
Mart manager Daragh Barden told the Irish Farmers Journal that weanlings met a solid demand all day with exporters and feeders competing well for the top-quality lots.
Bluetongue has halted some exporter activity while other exporters are very hungry for weanlings.
Larger sales of weanlings have been witnessed over the last seven to 10 days with farmers said to be selling earlier than normal due to bluetongue concerns.
The beef trade is also in a steady position this week with bullocks working off a €7.00-€7.10/kg base price in the main, while heifers are working off a base price of €7.10-€7.20/kg.
Cows are still in demand with €7/kg and over it being paid for top quality, well-fleshed, heavy cows.
Factory agents are also very active in marts buying cull cows with over €4/kg liveweight being paid for factory fit cows in some marts this week.
SHARING OPTIONS