Central Auctions in Birr hosted its general sale of cattle on Monday, with demand still strong for lighter store bullocks.

Despite weather turning and the grazing window looking likely to be decreased, demand for steers weighing 400kg to 500kg is holding to a price of €2/kg.

Overall, the price on the week for this weight division is up 6c/kg. The top third of prices continue to be for animals with continental blood, with the top 10 lots all making in excess of €2.30/kg.

Top price

Prices here topped at €2.47/kg for an April 2019-born Limousin-cross steer which weighed 430kg and sold for €1,060.

Prices for short-keep and fit steers are also holding strong. Factory agents continue to buy ringside for fit cattle, with the average price for bullocks weighing 600kg-plus settling at €2.01/kg.

Prices here rose as high as €2.17/kg for Limousin-bred stock. Short-keep stock were slightly higher than this, reaching up to €2.24/kg.

Heifers across the weight divisions failed to reach the same highs. That said, for the right type of light continental-bred heifer, in excess of €2.30/kg was achievable, but not as common as in the steers.