The past week has seen another fairly steady trade for all good-quality cattle types.

The number of forward cattle on offer continues to be fairly tight in most areas, with an increasing supply of plainer cattle coming to the fore.

While some areas experienced a slight improvement in the trade earlier in the week, this has not been very widespread.

Forward store bullocks and heifers continue to be met with the best demand, with average-quality stores firm.

Plainer cattle continue to be met with a more difficult trade and lower clearance rates.

The weanling trade, like the cattle trade, has remained firm for quality types, but the number of plainer cattle on offer continues to increase, causing a more variable trade in some areas. Cow numbers continue to increase slowly and demand is said to be firm.

Steers

Forward-store bullocks continue to be a firm trade and are selling mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg in some areas where there is a stronger suckler influence. Average prices are running about 12c/kg or by €72/head behind for 600kg. Stores from 400kg to 500kg are making from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg and up to €2.40/kg in some areas. Top-quality U grades in the same weight range sold for up to €2.60/kg. Angus and Hereford bullocks continue to be met with firm demand and are selling mainly from €1.85/kg to €1.95/kg.

Heifers

Heifers continue to be a good trade where good-quality types are on offer. Forward heifers remain low in supply, but where R+ and U grades are on offer, the trade remains strong. Those over 550kg are selling mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg or for about €1,150 on average. Better-quality types are making up to €2.40/kg or €1,320 in some areas. Lighter store heifers from 400kg to 500kg are a steady trade and prices have remained stagnant.

Weanlings

There has been more variability in the trade for weanlings, with increased supply of lighter and lesser-quality types coming to the fore. Where good-quality continental-breds are on offer, they continue to be a good trade, making from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg, with top-quality lots making over €2.80/kg in some areas. However, where increased numbers of plainer types are on offer, clearance rates have reduced, with more farmers not satisfied with prices. Weanling heifers are steadier than bulls, but there is variability at the ringside.

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