In terms of prices, they have held firm to slightly improved on two weeks ago, but where prices have increased, it’s only marginally.
In recent days, sales have been smaller, with the peak of numbers now behind us. This is one of the main drivers of the higher clearance rates.
However, where the quality of cattle on offer is poor, buyer demand is still weak and the prices achieved are still low.
In the south, demand for Angus and Herefords is steady, but prices paid for these continue to be running about 10c/kg to 15c/kg behind the same time last year.
Demand for cull cows has improved slightly, but only for well-fleshed and short-keep types, with store cows still a slower sell.
Steers
Steer prices in MartWatch have rebounded to where they were two weeks ago. While prices in the main are steady, good-quality and heavy bullocks are easier sold with slightly improved demand.
Heavy types over 600kg are selling from €1,200 for average-quality types to €1,450 for top-quality lots. Stores from 500kg to 600kg are selling mainly from €2.00/kg for R grades to €2.40/kg for U grades. Light stores have remained steady, with the average 450kg bullock selling for €940.
Heifers
The heifer trade has seen more life in it than the last few weeks and prices have increased slightly. In most areas, more bite in the trade has meant that heifers have been much quicker to sell.
The average 550kg heifer is making €1,150, with U grades making €1,250 to €1,350. Dairy-crosses are selling from €1.75/kg to €1.90/kg, depending on quality. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg are selling mainly from €800 to €1,100.
Weanlings
Good-quality Charolais-cross weanlings continue to be in demand, with smaller numbers on offer in some areas resulting in slightly increased prices. Plainer bulls and heifers remain a hard sell though, especially lighter types. The average 350kg bull is selling for €820, with the equivalent heifer selling for just under €800. Lighter bulls and heifers from 200kg to 300kg are selling mainly from €620 to €730.
Where light Friesian runners are on offer, prices of €100 to €140 over are common.
Read more
Forward stores in demand at Swatragh Mart
Suckler replacement sales variable but demand strong for quality lots
Heavy and well-conformed heifers in demand at €uro-Star sale
A guide to what's on in the marts in the coming weeks
In terms of prices, they have held firm to slightly improved on two weeks ago, but where prices have increased, it’s only marginally.
In recent days, sales have been smaller, with the peak of numbers now behind us. This is one of the main drivers of the higher clearance rates.
However, where the quality of cattle on offer is poor, buyer demand is still weak and the prices achieved are still low.
In the south, demand for Angus and Herefords is steady, but prices paid for these continue to be running about 10c/kg to 15c/kg behind the same time last year.
Demand for cull cows has improved slightly, but only for well-fleshed and short-keep types, with store cows still a slower sell.
Steers
Steer prices in MartWatch have rebounded to where they were two weeks ago. While prices in the main are steady, good-quality and heavy bullocks are easier sold with slightly improved demand.
Heavy types over 600kg are selling from €1,200 for average-quality types to €1,450 for top-quality lots. Stores from 500kg to 600kg are selling mainly from €2.00/kg for R grades to €2.40/kg for U grades. Light stores have remained steady, with the average 450kg bullock selling for €940.
Heifers
The heifer trade has seen more life in it than the last few weeks and prices have increased slightly. In most areas, more bite in the trade has meant that heifers have been much quicker to sell.
The average 550kg heifer is making €1,150, with U grades making €1,250 to €1,350. Dairy-crosses are selling from €1.75/kg to €1.90/kg, depending on quality. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg are selling mainly from €800 to €1,100.
Weanlings
Good-quality Charolais-cross weanlings continue to be in demand, with smaller numbers on offer in some areas resulting in slightly increased prices. Plainer bulls and heifers remain a hard sell though, especially lighter types. The average 350kg bull is selling for €820, with the equivalent heifer selling for just under €800. Lighter bulls and heifers from 200kg to 300kg are selling mainly from €620 to €730.
Where light Friesian runners are on offer, prices of €100 to €140 over are common.
Read more
Forward stores in demand at Swatragh Mart
Suckler replacement sales variable but demand strong for quality lots
Heavy and well-conformed heifers in demand at €uro-Star sale
A guide to what's on in the marts in the coming weeks
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