The bank holiday weekend saw strong throughput and demand at special sales right across the country. However, the wet weather has resulted in a slippage of prices in recent days.

Demand has weaned slightly as some grass buyers await improved conditions before sourcing again.

Forward store bullocks have been said to have seen prices reduce by approximately €20/head in recent days.

Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg, with U+ and E grades making from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg.

Lighter bullocks from 400kg to 500kg are selling from €2.30/kg to €2.45/kg for average-quality types, with the top third making from €2.65/kg to €2.75/kg.

Again, these lighter stores are said to have seen prices drop by €15 to €20/head in recent days.

The heifer trade continues to be stronger than the equivalent bullock trade and despite a weakening in the market in recent days, prices are not as badly affected.

Forward stores

Forward store heifers from 500kg to 600kg are selling from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types, with the top third making from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg.

Prices are now running just €60 to €80/head above the same week last year.

Lighter store heifers from 400kg to 500kg are making from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality lots, with top-quality types and heifers with breeding potential attracting a price premium of 10c to 20c/kg.

Again, the weanling trade has seen a price slippage also, with prices easing by €10 to €20/head in the past few days in most areas.

Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are selling from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg for average-quality types, with the top third making from €2.90/kg to €3.10/kg.

Lighter weanlings are a steadier trade and continue to command strong prices.

Bulls from 200kg to 300kg sold from €2.65/kg to €2.80/kg for average-quality lots, while the top third made from €3.10/kg to €3.30/kg.

Weanling heifers

Weanling heifers saw prices decrease slightly also, but only marginally.

Heifers from 300kg to 400kg sold from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg for average-quality types, while the top third sold from €2.80/kg to €3.00/kg.

Lighter heifers from 200kg to 300kg were a strong trade. Average-quality types made from €2.60/kg to €2.80/kg, while the top third made from €3.00/kg to €3.20/kg.

There continues to be strong demand for cows with calves at foot right across the country. Good-quality types are making from €1,600 to €1,800, with many top-quality types making over €2,000.