The past few days has seen a more variable trade at marts around the country. However, good-quality continentals continue to be a steady trade in most areas.

Over the weekend, the mart trade remained firm due to steady buyer and seller activity.

However, in more recent days, the trade has been more mixed and variable.

The cattle that have borne the most of the pain in terms of lower prices have been lesser-quality types.

The brunt of the pain has been felt in the south, with stronger suckler areas not seeing prices ease as much.

Overall, prices would appear to be back by €15 to €30/head in several areas.

Some mart managers believe that the more variable trade, combined with current strong grass growth, will result in reduced entries in the coming weeks.

Steers

MartWatch data shows that although there was a reduction in the price of forward and fleshed steers in the past week, prices of store cattle and light stores has been steady. Price decreases in the main have been limited to lesser-quality types. The average 550kg bullock saw average prices ease by €20 to €25/head, but lighter store cattle prices remain firm. The average 450kg bullock continues to sell for €1,020/head. Plainer-quality types from 500kg to 600kg have been met with larger price drops in the south.

Heifer

Although forward and fleshed heifer prices have eased slightly in the past week, store heifers and good-quality continental heifers have remained firm. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg are making from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types, with U grades making up to €2.45/kg. Lighter store heifers from 400kg to 500kg are making from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg and up to €2.70/kg in some areas. Demand for plainer-quality heifers has eased slightly in some areas.

Weanlings

Unlike the forward store trade, the weanling trade has remained firm in recent days. Strong farmer demand, combined with reducing supply, has placed a firm price floor on the prices paid for all weanling types. Weanling bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg, with top-quality types making from €2.60/kg to €2.95/kg. Weanling heifers are making about 10c/kg more than the equivalent bull. Prices are averaging from €2.45/kg to €2.55/kg for those between 300kg and 400kg.