The past week has seen another strong trade at marts around the country. The continued strong grass growth and good weather has resulted in increased demand at the ringside once again. The demand for all types has been driven by farmers and grass buyer demand. Exporter activity is said to be very slow in most areas.

The bullock trade has seen some slight improvements yet again, with the average 550kg steers now making €1,215/head or from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types. Better-quality U grades are said to be making from €1,250 to €1,500 depending on weight. Again, age is an important factor, with buyers mainly sourcing those that can be slaughtered under 30 months of age.

Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg continue to be met with strong demand also. Prices are ranging mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg in most areas. The top third are selling from €2.60/kg to €2.70/kg. Plainer Friesian types are making from €1.70/kg to €2.00/kg, depending on quality, with Angus and Herefords making up to €2.20/kg in some areas.

The heifer trade has been described as being brisk in many areas around the country. Forward heifers over 500kg are selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg, with U grades making about €1,260 for 500kg. Lighter stores are selling from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality types and up to €2.07/kg or €1,200 for 450kg heifers.

Farmer demand for weanlings is said to be firm. However, forward bulls are steady and are not seeing prices increase in line with other cattle types in recent weeks.

The average 450kg bull is making about €2.30/kg or €1,000 to €1,100. Top-quality U grades are making up to €1,200 where buyers are active.

Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are a steady trade and are selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg, with top-quality types continuing to break the €3.00/kg mark. Light bulls are firm, with average prices running at €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg or €650 for 250kg. Weanling heifers are reasonably firm and are selling at similar prices to the equivalent bull, and for a 3c to 5c/kg premium in some cases.

Cull cows

Cull cows are holding firm in many areas, with slightly more bite at the ringside for finished or short-keep types. At the top end of the market, young fleshed cows are making up to €2.10/kg, with the main demand for fleshed cows ranging from €1.85/kg to €2.00/kg. Feeding continental cows are making from €1.65/kg to €1.80/kg, while feeding Friesians are selling from €1.30/kg to €1.50/kg.