The past week has seen another buoyant trade for all types of stock right across the country.

The improved market sentiment is translating into much higher prices for all types of cattle and for cows, especially for forward store cattle.

In some areas, mart managers have said that prices were almost €50 to €80/head more expensive than the same time last year.

There has been a major lift in the prices paid for cull cows also, with price increases at the ringside far surpassing the beef price increase seen so far in factories.

Top-quality continental cull cows are seeing prices reach over €2.00/kg once again, with some sales reporting prices of over €2.05/kg being paid for top-quality types.

In the south of the country, there is improved demand for dairy cull cows and prices have improved despite the higher numbers on offer. The average Friesian cull cow is selling from €1.05/kg to €1.10/kg, with some well-fleshed cows selling for over €1.20/kg in some areas.

Steers

Where continental bullocks are on offer, prices of €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg are being paid for average-quality R grades, with top prices of over €2.30/kg being recorded for U grade cattle. Stores from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg for average-quality lots, with U grades selling for over €2.23/kg. Lighter store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg for average-quality types, up €40 to €50/head on last week. Plainer-quality bullocks and Friesians have seen prices improve also.

Heifers

The heifer trade has seen some improvements in prices also, although not to the same extent as bullocks. Heavy heifers have seen prices improve slightly in stronger suckler areas, especially for U grade types. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg are selling for €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg or 10c to 15c/kg above the equivalent bullock. Lighter store heifers from 400kg to 500kg are selling from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg also, with top-quality types making over €2.40/kg.

Weanlings

The weanling trade has seen a sharp increase in prices. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are selling from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg. Top-quality bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold from €2.60/kg to €2.70/kg. Heifers have seen prices increase also, with more farmer buyers active in the market place. Heifers from 300kg to 400kg are selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg, with U grades selling to over €2.60/kg. Lighter heifers from 200kg to 300kg are selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg and up to €2.80/kg for top-quality types.

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