The mart trade over the past week has been quite strong. Numbers are a little lower than anticipated. This is due to sellers holding back cattle for more grass buyers to appear.

In the past week, mart managers have said that strong feedlot activity has continued for forward bullocks and this has had a positive effect on prices.

Farmers are active for stores also, despite the continued poor weather. However, larger numbers of cattle are expected to come out in the next few weeks.

The cow trade continues to be brisk, with cows now making about €50 to €70/head more than they were a month to six weeks ago. Slaughter-fit and forward-store cows are commanding prices of €1.85/kg to €2.00/kg, with young cow/heifers making up to €2.15/kg in some areas. Renewed export demand for weanlings has had a positive effect at mart sales for lighter types, while farmer buyers are active for all other weanlings.

Steers

Forward stores have seen prices lift by up to €20/head in the past week, driven by strong feedlot and finisher activity. The average 600kg steer is making €1,290, with U grades from €1,400 to €1,500. While the weather is poor, there are a good deal of farmers sourcing store cattle at the moment, with the aim of buying before prices get any hotter in the coming weeks. The average 500kg bullock is selling for just €50 less than the same time last year, with better-quality U and R grades selling for just €30 less than 2016.

Heifers

Like steers, heavy heifers are a very strong trade. The average 600kg heifer is making €1,260, with Angus and Herefords selling at similar prices to continentals. Lighter store heifers from 500kg to 550kg are selling mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg or from €1,050 to €1,100 for average-quality 500kg types. Light stores from 400kg to 500kg are making from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types or from €450 to €650 with the weight. Better-quality U grades from 400kg to 500kg are selling from €1,000 to €1,250.

Weanlings

The trade is steady for heavy bulls and slightly improved for lighter types with export demand helping. The average 280kg bull is making €695/head, with better-quality types making €850. Those from 300kg to 400kg are a relatively steady trade, with plenty of farmers buying. The average 350kg bull is selling for €815, with plain types and Friesians making €600 to €650. The weanling heifer trade is steady, with prices practically mirroring bull prices. However, there is a little less buyer activity and a slower trade for plainer types.

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