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Mart managers right across the country are commenting on the current strong weanling trade, driven by strong farmer and exporter demand.
In volume terms, farmer buyers are sourcing the majority of weanling numbers.
However, export demand is very brisk also up to now.
Factory agents and finishers are snapping up all slaughter-fit and short-keep types, which is boosting the average prices of forward types.
Specialist finishers are buying Angus cattle for around €1.90/kg to €2/kg
Store cattle, particularly those from 500kg to 550kg, have been met with slightly weaker demand in the past few weeks, which has resulted in slightly weaker prices.
Fleshed cull cows are quite firm, with top-quality young types making up to €2.10/kg, with the majority of factory-fit cows selling from €1.80/kg to €1.95/kg.
Feeding cows are variable, depending on the quality of those on offer.
Steers
Fleshed and factory-fit bullocks continue to be met with strong demand. Prices of R+ and U grades are ranging from €1,350 to €1,430 for those over 650kg.
Age, movements and quality assurance status are the main factors affecting prices, with out-of-spec types lagging by €80 to €120/head behind in-spec stock.
The average 550kg bullock is making €1,150, with lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg selling mainly from €870 to €1,075.
Specialist finishers are buying Angus cattle for around €1.90/kg to €2/kg.
Heifers
The heifer trade is holding well, with short-keep types averaging €2.15/kg and better-quality types making from €2.30/kg to €2.45/kg in some areas.
The average 550kg heifer is selling for €1,200, with those from 400kg to 500kg selling mainly from €900 to €1,000 for average-quality types and for up to €1,100/head for U grades.
There are a good number of Angus and Hereford heifers coming to the fore.
Prices ran mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg, but demand is said to be strong, especially for better-quality types that will meet the spec.
Weanlings
The weanling trade is very brisk.
Mart managers right across the country have said that a combination of farmers, exporters and feeders are driving prices.
Average prices are now running about €20 to €40/head above the same week last year.
While some high prices at special sales are still affecting average prices in MartWatch, the overall trade so far is very positive.
The average 350kg bull is selling for €860, with the equivalent heifer making €805/head. Plain weanlings in the same weight categories are selling for about €2.00/kg.
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