Farmer demand continues to be strong right across the country for good quality store cattle. Farmers are most active for stores from 400kg upwards and quality is a must. In some areas prices are said to have increased again in the past week for bullocks. In some areas it has been said that there are more northern buyers active once again.

Store bullocks from 500kg to 600kg are selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg for average quality types, R+ and U grades continue to make from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg. Lighter store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg are seeing average quality types sell from €2.30/kg to €2.55/kg, with R+/U grades making from €2.60/kg to €2.90/kg.

Demand for heifers is said to be firm in most areas backed by strong farmer and northern demand. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg are selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for average quality lots, while up R+/U grades are selling frequently from €2.50/kg to €2.80/kg. Lighter heifers are selling from 400kg to 500kg are selling mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg for average quality types. The top third are selling from €2.70/kg to €2.90/kg.

The weanling trade is steady at most ringsides. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg continue to sell from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg. Exporters remain active across the country, but price is determining demand. Lighter weanling bulls from 200kg to 300kg are a very strong trade and are currently selling for €2.70/kg to €2.80/kg for average quality types, with the top third making from €3.10/kg to €3.30/kg.

Demand for heifers is said to strong where quality types are available. 300kg to 400kg weanling heifers are making from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg on average. The top third are selling up to €3.00/kg. Demand for lighter types is brisk also and prices are averaging from €2.70/kg to €2.90/kg. Heavier types with breeding potential are realising a price premium of €100 to €150 per head.