The past week has seen another strong trade at ringsides around the country. Plainer cattle continue to be met with mixed demand. However, grass buyers continue to be actively sourcing cattle, which is helping to place a firm floor under prices.

Feedlot buyers are still sourcing forward feeding bullocks and heifers over 550kg, but the numbers on offer continue to be quite tight. Prices have remained firm. Lighter store cattle have seen some improvement and prices are running at very similar levels to the same time last year.

In terms of weanling demand, continued exporter activity, combined with strong farmer demand, is keeping the trade steady to slightly improved. However, average prices lag slightly behind the same time last year.

Mart managers continue to comment on the strong cull cow trade, with fleshed cow prices rising slightly in some areas. Forward feeding types continue to be a steady trade also, with the majority of continental feeding cows selling from €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg.

Further south, Friesian cows straight from the parlour are selling from €1.00/kg to €1.20/kg, with fleshed types selling mainly from €1.40/kg to €1.60/kg.

Steers

Like previous weeks, heavy bullocks over 600kg remain a steady trade and are selling from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg for average-quality types, with U grade heavy bullocks making from €750 to €820 over the weight. Those from 500kg to 600kg continue to be met with firm demand and prices are steady. The average continental steer is making €1,210 or €660 over the weight. Angus and Herefords are selling from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg, with forward Friesians making from €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg, depending on quality.

Heifers

Average prices have improved slightly since last week. The average 550kg heifer is making €700 along with the weight, with U grade heifers making €820 to €850 over the weight. Average prices are running about €20 ahead of the same period last year. Lighter store heifers from 400kg to 500kg are being met with strong demand and prices are running from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for good-quality continentals. Plainer heifers in the same weight range are making from €1.95/kg to €2.05/kg.

Weanlings

The weanling trade continues to hold firm. Exporters are active for light bulls under 300kg, which is helping keep the prices of average- to lesser-quality lots firm. The average 280kg bull is currently making €715/head and up to €800 in stronger suckler areas. Feeders continue to pay €2.30/kg to €2.60/kg for forward feeding bulls. Demand for weanling heifers is driven primarily by farmers and prices are holding steady on last week for all types. The average 350kg heifer is making €840, with plainer types making from €740 to €800.

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