The past few weeks have seen very large sales at marts around the country. In general, the trade has been very strong right across the country. Mart managers have said that, up to now, demand has been primarily farmer-driven for heavier weanlings and light stores, with feeders still actively sourcing forward and short-keep bullocks and heifers.

However, the number of short-keep stores on offer continues to decline week on week and prices are holding firm.

Farmers buying for grass continue to be active for all types of store bullocks and heifers.

However, lesser-quality types are said to be faced with a slightly lower clearances.

The weanling trade at the lower weights is seeing farmers compete strongly with exporters for plainer types.

The cow trade has continued to be strong, driven mainly by specialised finishers in the case of short keep types, with solid demand from feeders for warm feeding cows.

Steers

Short-keep heavy steers over 600kg are becoming less and less common, but are making from €2.10/kg to €2.40/kg for R grades and U grades, or from €600 to €850 over the weight. Forward-store cattle over 500kg continue to sell from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for R grades, slightly less than last week, but this is due to a slight reduction in the quality of bullocks on offer. Where plainer types are on offer, they are being met with a slightly slower trade. The average 450kg steer is making €550 over the weight.

Heifers

The heifer trade has seen average prices for forward types slip by €20 to €30/head, driven mainly by a reduction in the quality on offer. The average 550kg heifer sold for €1,210, with traditional breeds making twice the weight. The average 450kg heifer is a steady trade and they are selling for €1,030 for average quality-types and up to €1,200 for top-quality continental heifers. Plainer-quality heifers in the same weight range are making from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg.

Weanlings

The weanling trade has seen bulls from 300kg to 400kg take a dip in prices driven by increased numbers of plainer-quality types coming on stream, particularly in the south. The average continental bull of 350kg is making €850 on average, with U grades making up to €3.00/kg or €1,050/head. Plainer types are selling from €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg for plain Friesians to €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg for plain continentals. Exporters continue to be very active for those under 300kg that meet the age requirements. The average 280kg bull is making €700.

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