Grass buyers remain active at ringsides throughout the country in the past week. Sale numbers are strong, with almost 11,500 cattle sales being recorded on the MartWatch system in the last seven days.

Prices remain steady for store cattle and weanlings. Some marts have seen a slight strengthening of short keep and factory fit steers and heifers over recent days. This has been driven by increased factory agent demand.

Store bullocks from 500kg to 600kg continue to sell from €2.05/kg to €2.15/kg for average quality types, while better quality U grades are commanding a price premium of 20c/kg to 30c/kg.

Average prices are lagging €70 to €80 behind the same time last year.

There has been increased demand for heifers, particularly light stores from 300kg to 450kg and prices are ranging mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg with better quality types selling to over €2.50/kg.

Grass buyers are said to be driving this trade, with increased farmer activity reported in many areas over the bank holiday weekend. The demand for calved suckler cows remains firm, but supply is low.

Better quality

Farmers continue to demand better quality lots with prices ranging mainly from €1,500 to €1,800. Older and lesser quality cows continue to be a slow trade due to a tougher beef market.