Both the store bullock and heifer trades remained steady in the past week. A reduction in the numbers on offer, combined with slightly less demand, has underpinned prices. However, in areas of a lot of dairy influence or where there are lesser-quality cattle coming to the fore, prices are weaker.

Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg are selling from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg for average-quality types. In stronger suckler areas, prices of €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg are more common.

Lesser-quality types, particularly Friesians, are making from €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg and top-quality continentals are making from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg are making from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg, with U grades making from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg.

Lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg, with the top third in terms of quality making over €2.30/kg.

Farmer activity for heifers is said to be firm in many areas and prices continue to outstrip the equivalent steer.

The weanling trade continues to be strong. Bulls over 400kg are seeing the weakest prices, with average-quality types selling mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg. Where quality is stronger, prices of €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg are being achieved. The top third of heavy bulls in terms of quality are making from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg.

Weanling bulls from 300kg to 400kg have been met with a steady trade and prices are averaging from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg, with the top third in terms of quality making from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg.

Muscled bulls in the same weight range continue to make from €2.70/kg to €2.90/kg. Light weanlings under 300kg remain a strong trade, with prices 10c to 15c/kg above the same time last year. Prices are averaging €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg for average-quality types, with the top third in terms of quality making up to €3.10/kg in some areas.

The heifer trade continues to be strong, similar to weanling bulls. The average 300kg to 400kg heifer sold for €2.20/kg on average in the past week (€660 to €880). The top third in terms of quality are making from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg. Again, average prices are €25 to €30 above the same time last year.

Lighter weanling heifers from 300kg to 400kg are making from €2.40/kg to €2.65/kg on average, while the top third in terms of quality are making from €2.80/kg to €3.00/kg.