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Exporters are still active in the market for lighter types and more muscled types, while feedlots continue to buy all good-quality heavy bulls ticking the boxes on age and weight for age.
While the majority of reports from store cattle sales have shown average prices to be steady, prices have eased very slightly in some areas, particularly in the west, driven by a combination of weather and beef price.
Slaughter-fit and short-keep cattle remain scarce on the ground and prices have eased slightly due to some beef price pressure.
Having that said, some farmers with small numbers of short-keep types are still favouring the mart sale over going for direct slaughter.
The store trade is holding quite firm. While some areas have seen a very slight easing in prices, overall, the trade is steady, particularly for good-quality types.
Steers
Heavy stores have seen prices ease slightly, with some heavy types seeing prices ease by 5c to 7c/kg or €30 to €40/head. Top-quality U grades have only seen prices ease by €15 to €20/head, with some marts reporting no change. Forward-store bullocks are a steady trade, with prices of plainer-quality types actually a little stronger in some parts. Light stores from 400kg to 500kg are available in the largest numbers. The average 450kg steer is making €1,010, with U grades making €1,180.
Heifers
The heifer trade in the past week has mirrored the steer trade. Heavy types over 600kg are very scarce and slaughter-fit types have eased marginally. Forward stores, on the other hand, have held fairly steady, with the average 550kg heifer making €1,210, while plain O grades are making close to €200/head less. The average 450kg continental store heifer is selling for €1,030, while better-quality types are making up to €1,200. There have been increased numbers of plainer heifers on offer in that weight range also.
Weanlings
In contrast with the store cattle trade, weanlings can only be described as being brisk. Where good-quality weanling bulls and heifers are on offer from 300kg to 400kg, strong farmer demand has resulted in increased prices. At some sales, prices are up by 10c to 15c/kg on last week, with better-quality types seeing prices increase by more than that. In most areas, the average 350kg suckler-bred continental weanling bull is making €850/head, while the equivalent heifer is making about €820/head.
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