Forward stores continue to be met with strong demand, with prices of the average 650kg steer running well ahead of the same time last year.

A similar trend is evident in the case of heavy heifers. While store demand has been strong, poor grass growth is reducing demand slightly. However, special sales have boosted prices.

The weanling trade continues to be quite strong. Firm export demand, coupled with strong farmer activity, is keeping a good floor under prices.

Suckler replacements continue to be met with strong demand also, with the best prices paid for aged heifers with good conformation and size. Demand for light two-year-old calving heifers is mixed.

Steers

The bullock trade is steady for forward bullocks, with feeders still active for all short-keep types. There is firm demand for good-quality store bullocks. However, with grass growth slow, sellers are reluctant to sell yet. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types. Those from 400kg to 500kg are selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.35/kg, up about €40 to €50/head on the same week last year. U grade bullocks in the same weight range are making from €1,100 to €1,350.

Heifers

Like bullocks, heavy heifers are a flying trade, with prices holding firm on recent weeks. The average 600kg heifer is making €1,320. However, the number on offer is low. Forward store heifers from 500kg to 600kg are selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg, up slightly on this time last year. Better-quality U grades are making from €2.45/kg to €2.55/kg. Store heifers from 400kg to 500kg are being met with strong farmer demand. They are selling mainly from €2.25/kg to €2.35/kg, with U grades making over €2.60/kg.

Weanlings

Demand for feeding bulls remains strong, as long as age and weight are suitable. Continental bulls over 450kg are selling mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg, with U grades making over €2.60/kg. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are being met with solid farmer demand. Prices are ranging mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg and up to €3.00/kg for the very top-quality types. The heifer trade is firm, with plenty of farmer buyers active for all quality types.

Read more

Ballymote: weanling bulls and heifers met with a flying trade

Lively store cattle trade at Omagh Mart

Dungarvan: buyers’ market for Friesian calves

Nenagh: heifers sell for €1,500/head on average

Northern view: cattle prices edging upwards as numbers tighten