The past week has seen a significant lift in the mart trade. Farmers are more active for store cattle to graze off surplus grass, while feeders have become more active for store cattle after finishing stock in recent weeks.

Factory agents have increased their activity for factory-fit stock, which has also resulted in a strengthening of prices across the board.

Store bullocks from 500kg to 600kg are selling from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg on average, or €1,073 for the average 550kg bullock.

However, prices continue to lag 20c/kg or €100 to €120/head behind the same time last year.

Lighter store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg have seen prices strengthen significantly, driven by strong farmer demand.

Prices for average-quality lots are ranging from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg, while the top third in terms of quality are making €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg on average, or €1,080 for a 450kg U grade store.

The demand for heifers has improved also, as has supply, but prices have strengthened also.

Store heifers from 500kg to 600kg are making from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg on average, with better-quality U grade types achieving a price premium of 20c to 25c/kg.

The average 550kg heifer is making €1,100 at the moment.

Lighter types have seen prices rise by €20 to €25 in the past week and they are currently averaging €2.10/kg. U grades are making from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg.

Average weanling prices have strengthened in the past week.

The average 350kg bull is making €770/head.

In strong suckler areas, average-quality weanling bulls are making €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg.

Better-quality types are making from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg, or €860 for 350kg.

Lighter weanlings from 200kg to 300kg remain in short supply.

Weanling heifers have been a stronger trade than the equivalent bull.

Heifers from 300kg to 400kg are making from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg, or €805/head.

The top third of heifers in terms of quality are making from €2.60/kg to €2.90/kg for well-muscled types.

Lighter types from 200kg to 300kg are in short supply and continue to make €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types, while the top third in terms of quality are commanding similar prices to heavier weanling heifers.

Suckler cull cow numbers remain tight in many areas, but mart managers have commented that demand has increased in recent days.