Increased demand due to Single Farm Payment receipts, combined with increased supply due to weather, has resulted in a steady mart trade.

Farmers continue to drive the trade with steady demand also arising from feedlot buyers and some British and Northern feeders in some areas. Steers from 500kg to 600kg saw prices improve slightly. The average 550kg steer is selling for €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg, but in stronger suckler areas prices of €2.10/kg to €2.15/kg are common. Average prices remain €70 to €80 behind the same time last year. Heifers have remained a steady trade with MartWatch data showing the average 550kg heifer selling from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg, with lighter types at similar prices. Prices per head remain €70 to €80 behind the same time last year.

The weanling trade is strong. Average weanling bull prices have edged slightly ahead of last year, driven by farmer demand. Exporter activity has dropped slightly. The average 350kg weanling bull is selling for €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg with top-quality types making from €2.60/kg to €2.80/kg.

Where Friesians are coming to the fore, prices of €1.40/kg to €1.70/kg are common. Light weanling bulls remain an exceptionally strong trade with prices now €20 to €30 per head above last year. Weanling heifers are steady and prices of €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg are common. Lighter types are making from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg, some €20 to €30 per head more than this time last year.