The past week has seen mart prices come under a small bit of pressure, but mainly heifer and weanling heifer prices, which were high in recent weeks.

Bullocks in the main have been a relatively firm trade. Fleshed types continue to be met with strong demand and prices are reasonably solid. Average quality fleshed types continue to sell from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg, with R+ and U grades making from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg. Forward store cattle from 500kg to 600kg continue to be a firm trade and are selling mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types, while U grades are making from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg where more quality is on offer.

The best demand continues to be for top-quality animals. Where lesser-quality types are coming to the fore, prices are under more pressure. Store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types.

The heifers trade has come under a little more pressure in some areas. However, top-quality types are still trading well. Forward store heifers from 500kg to 600kg are selling at similar prices to bullocks, from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types. U grades in the same weight bracket are selling from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg, but supply is tight. Types from 400kg to 500kg are available in greater numbers and are trading from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average quality. Prices have fallen by €15 to €20 for average-quality types, while top-quality heifers remain a strong trade.

Weanling bull prices have remained firm. Special weanling sales have been strong so far, driven primarily by farmer demand. The average 350kg bull is selling from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg, while the top third are making from €2.80/kg to €3.00/kg. Heavy bulls over 400kg remain steady trade. Where quality is strong, prices of €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality types is on offer. Stronger bulls are more difficult sell, especially where age is an issue. Light bulls are low in supply.

Weanling heifers are firm in strong suckler areas, but where lesser quality types are on offer, lower prices are being achieved. The average 300kg to 400kg heifer is selling from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg with the top third making €2.73/kg.

Cow numbers remain low. However, where fleshed types are on offer, demand is strong. Fleshed continentals are selling from €1.85/kg to €2.00/kg for young cows, while older and good-quality Friesians are making from €1.60/kg to €1.80/kg.