Plainer-quality types continue to be a slower sell, especially light types or backward types.

Feedlot activity has been reported to have increased, with large-scale finishers back out sourcing cattle suitable for finishing.

Forward-feeding bullocks and heifers have been met with a slightly improved trade, with O grades unchanged.

The cull cow trade remains brisk for any good-quality well-fleshed types. Where average-quality Friesian culls are coming to the fore, prices are averaging close to the weight.

Thin and old types are selling mainly from €0.70/kg to €0.90/kg. The weanling trade continues to be firm, with sellers happy with sale prices.

Steers

Good-quality R+ and U grade steers over 600kg have seen prices edge upwards by about €20 to €30/head in some areas. Those from 500kg to 600kg have been met with a slightly improved trade also, with the average 550kg R grade making €1,140 while U grades are making up to €1,320. Lighter stores have not seen much change in prices, but the average 450kg R grade is making €930, with U grades making €1,120.

Heifers

Heifers are slightly improved in some areas, but in the main are holding firm. Forward types continue to be snapped up by feeders, while farmers continue to source stores. Those from 500kg to 600kg are selling mainly from €1,100 to €1,200 for R grades, while lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg are selling from €900 to €1,000, with top-quality types making from €1,050 to €1,150. Where plain and dairy-crosses are on offer, prices of €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg are being recorded.

Weanlings

Demand for heavy bulls over 450kg remains steady, with specialist finishers actively sourcing these for further feeding.

The main demand is for R+ and U grade types and prices for these range mainly from €1,050 to €1,150. Those from 300kg to 400kg continue to be met with strong farmer demand and prices range mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.35/kg for these. Top-quality types are selling from €850 to €1,050 depending on weight.

The weanling heifer trade has remained steady, with plainer types a little harder sold in some areas.

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