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Weather is having an affect on mart sales right across the country, but mainly on the number of animals on offer.
The trade has remained strong, with prices slightly improved on last week.
Many mart managers have said that despite the very poor weather conditions and lack of grass growth, this has not reduced demand, with many buyers out and actively trying to source cattle.
In western areas, lowly stocked farmers who have some grass cover and low grass demand are buying to have cattle for the seven-month rule for ANC payments.
In other cases, farmers are buying to try to secure numbers in anticipation of higher prices when grass growth lifts and the weather settles.
The best demand at the ringside is for short-keep and forward-store cattle and slaughter-fit cows.
Strong beef prices and a strong market sentiment are the main drivers of the brisk trade for forward cattle. Demand for calved suckler cows is firm, but the majority of demand is for better-quality young cows with calves at foot. In-calf April-calving cows are not being met with as strong of demand.
Steers
Demand for heavy bullocks over 600kg is brisk, with many better-quality heavy Friesians and dairy-crosses selling from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg and up to €2.00/kg in some cases. R grade continentals are selling from €2.15/kg to €2.25/kg, while U grades are selling for up to €950 over the weight. Forward stores are a firm trade and prices are on par with the same time last year. There is a little more farmer interest in lighter stores, despite the current weather conditions. Prices in the main are ranging from €2.25/kg to €2.35/kg.
Heifers
The heifer trade has lifted slightly since last week. While prices are up slightly, this is more a rebound on the duller trade the previous week. Again, heavy heifers were met with brisk demand, while farmer buyer activity for stores has lifted a little also, but overall numbers on offer are back compared with last year. The average 550kg R grade continental is making €690 along with the weight, while U grades are making close to €900 over. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg are selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg and to over €2.70/kg.
Weanlings
The weanling trade has held firm and the numbers on offer are rising. Heavy bulls over 500kg are being met with brisk feeder demand, while 300kg to 400kg bulls and heifers are mainly being bought by farmers, with some export activity for top-quality types. The average 350kg bull is selling for €822, with heifers a similar trade. The top third in quality terms are selling from €950 to €1,050/head. Light bulls and heifers from 200kg to 300kg are selling from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality types.
Numbers slow but the trade is brisk
Roaring trade for store cattle at Keady Mart
Forward cattle met with strong demand despite the weather
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