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MartWatch analysis has shown that store bullock prices over the past four weeks are running up to €77/head or by 14-17c/kg behind the same period in 2015.
The average 450kg store heifer is making €54/head less than the same period last year, while weanling bulls and heifers have seen prices ease by €54 to €67/head.
The reductions in prices are in line with recent beef price cuts which have resulted in the average base price for steers currently 15c/kg or €55/head behind the same period last year.
The past few weeks have seen a sharp increase in cattle sales through marts across the country. In weather-stricken areas of the west, the trade has been much more variable for plainer-quality cattle in the past few weeks, with reports of weanling prices being back by over €100/head in some cases.
In the past week demand from feeders is said to have waned slightly.
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