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With sales starting to tail off slowly, the quality of stock coming to the fore is starting to slip in many areas of the country.
The past week has seen a steady trade in most areas for store cattle. Where top-quality types have been on offer, prices have strengthened marginally due to a slightly tightening supply and strong demand.
A glimpse of an improvement in the beef trade has had a positive impact on trade for these better-quality types also.
Demand for heifers has been solid and prices are holding firm for short-keep types. Where plainer-quality heifers are on offer, they remain a more difficult sell, similar to bullocks.
Weanling sales have been firm. Farmer activity has held prices of average-quality lots from 300kg to 400kg firm, while the trade for lighter types has been firm also.
Steers
The average 500kg to 600kg bullock is selling mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg, or €1,073 for the average 550kg bullock, while U grades are making over €1,230/head. Where forward Angus and Herefords are on offer, prices of €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg are common, depending on quality. Demand for light store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg is firm, with plenty of farmer buyers active sourcing to put into the shed. The average 450kg continental bullock is making from €2.00/kg to €2.26/kg, with U grades making over €2.45/kg.
Heifer
The average heifer is still lagging well behind the same time last year, with average prices back by 16c to 17c/kg or just shy of €100/head for the average 550kg heifer. The past week has seen an increase in the supply of lesser-quality types and this is affecting average prices. A U grade 550kg heifer is currently making €1,200 to €1,250, with the average 450kg heifer making €930/head. Plainer heifers are a slower sell, with less buyer activity and lower clearance rates.
Weanlings
The weanling trade is outperforming the store trade. Bull and heifer prices are holding firm and farmer buyers are propping up the trade. Those from 300kg to 400kg are making from €2.20/kg to €2.50/kg in stronger suckler areas, with the top third making from €2.50/kg to €2.65/kg. Light bulls under 300kg continue to be met with firm farmer and exporter activity. The average 350kg heifer is selling for €780/head. Lighter heifers from 200kg to 300kg are making from €550 to €720.
Farmer demand drives the trade at Cootehill
More calves, fewer heifers on offer at Bandon Mart
Friesian bull calf prices weaken as supply increases
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