The number of cattle passing through marts continues to drop quickly. The choice of cattle is diminishing also, with fewer good-quality cattle and a much higher proportion of plainer types on offer.
Prices are holding firm, as there is still plenty of buyer activity out there for all types. Fleshed bullocks, heifers and cows continue to be snapped up by feeders and factory agents, while farmers and exporters are underpinning the rest of the trade.
Prices in the main are relatively steady, even though there has been a larger entry of plainer-quality cattle.
Cows continue to be a talking point at many marts. Many top-quality fleshed continental cows are reaching prices of €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg, with some young cows making up to €2.15/kg. Plainer fleshed cows are selling from 1.85/kg to €1.95/kg.
The weanling trade has seen a slight improvement in prices in some areas, driven by farmer and exporter demand. Exporters continue to source light bulls under or around 300kg, while farmers are the main buyers of those over 300kg.
Steers
Heavy steers over 600kg have seen another lift with the average 620kg bullock selling for €1,345 and with U grades making €1,550. Forward stores over 500kg are selling from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg in most areas, with top-quality bullocks to €2.60/kg or €1,400 for 550kg. Lighter store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg have seen prices ease to where they were two weeks ago. Prices range from €500 to €600 with the weight for average-quality types, while top-quality U grade bullocks in the same range are selling from €720 to €800 over.
Heifers
The heifer trade has been quite strong once again. The numbers of heavy heifers available is low. Those from 500kg to 600kg are more plentiful, but the main supply is the 400kg to 500kg heifer. The average 550kg R grade is making from €700 to €780 over the weight, with top-quality types making from €800 to €850 over. Lighter store heifers are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types. U grades are selling mainly from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg and for over €2.70/kg in some areas.
Weanlings
Good-quality weanling bulls and heifers are still in strong demand. There are more plainer types about, but buyers are still present for all types. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are making from €2.30/kg to €2.60/kg in many areas, with farmer buyers active. Top-quality types are making up to €3.00/kg. Demand for heifers is very strong also, with prices easing up slightly for those from 300kg to 400kg. The average 350kg heifer is making €845, with U grades making €980. Light heifers under 300kg are steady at €600 to €700/head.
Cattle prices: firm trade for continentals, Friesians a slower sell at Portumna
Cattle prices: numbers dropping but prices firm at Scarriff Mart
Cattle prices: strong store trade continues at Ballymahon Mart
Strong cattle trade at Enniskillen Mart
Steady calf demand continues at marts
A guide to special and upcoming sales in the marts in the coming weeks
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