Increased numbers continue to flood to the marts in what is usually a quiet period.

One of the reasons being the backlog of cattle from the closure of marts in full lockdown due to coronavirus.

Coupled with factory agents keen to secure lots at present, it means sellers with less bargaining power are bringing cattle straight to the mart instead of straight to the factory.

This increase in numbers is being met with a very strong demand. Heifers and bullocks of all weights are seeing prices jump substantially on the year.

An in-depth look at Irish Farmers Journal Martbids data shows that fit heifer prices are up 38c/kg on average, at €2.07/kg.

This jumps by a further 22c/kg for the top third of lots through the ring. This is up a staggering 53c/kg on the year.

A similar trend is seen for fit bullocks, with prices up by 31c/kg, selling for an average price of €2.03/kg.

Short-keep cattle are also seeing the benefit of this, with bullocks between 500kg and 600kg seeing prices rise by 46c/kg on the year.

Prices for heifers and steers under the 500kg mark rose by close to 40c/kg across the weights

Factory agents unable to acquire enough fit cattle are looking at short-stay lots, with the average for bullocks in this category resting at €2.07/kg. Short-keep heifers are also well up, rising by 39c/kg compared with the same week in 2019, with an average price of €2.09/kg.

This continuous demand for factory-ready and short-stay cattle is setting a very high base for those looking to purchase lighter stock suitable for grass feeding.

Prices for heifers and steers under the 500kg mark rose by close to 40c/kg across the weights. Stronger continental-type animals showing prospects rose even higher.

Looking at heifers between 400kg and 500kg, the top third of lots saw the average price rise by 58c/kg to settle at €2.45/kg.

Cows

Northern buyers are continuing to travel south in search of that younger more muscular-type cow. This market is helping to boost overall trade, but especially those that hit the correct profile.

The average price paid for suckler cows rose by €77 on the year to settle at €1,265. As mentioned, the top tier of suckler cows is seeing the biggest increase, with prices rising by €244 compared with 2019 levels to average at €1,581.

The lighter cattle, allowing time to be fattened and exceed that 70-day limit to get quality assurance, continue to be the most in demand

Weanling heifer and weanling bull numbers are just starting to get going in marts across the country.

While relatively small data, first comparison on the year shows that prices are up between 15c/kg and 20c/kg across the weight limits.

The lighter cattle, allowing time to be fattened and exceed that 70-day limit to get quality assurance, continue to be the most in demand.

Calves on week

Calf numbers are now starting to get very small across the country, with the majority of lots now made up of fed calves born in early spring.

This increase of fed calves means that average prices continue to increase in line with this. Prices were generally up €20, with average prices for males and females around the €310 mark.

Although still small, the numbers of bulls in excess of 600kg has doubled on the week. Many of these lots are pedigree bulls which have completed work for the year on farms and are now looking for pastures new. Bulls in this category sold for an average price of €1.75/kg, with better-quality younger lots breaking the €2/kg mark.