With special weanling sales kicking off around the country, the trade to date has started strong despite the weakening beef prices. Mart managers report relatively low exporter activity at sales so far, with demand for varied quality and weights – depending on target markets.

Farmers continue to be the key drivers of sales so far. A notable trend has been the low supply of light weanlings under 300kg, with price competitiveness being an issue.

Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are selling for between €2.50/kg and €2.70/kg in stronger suckler areas, where the quality on offer has been good.

The top third in the same weight category is making from €2.80/kg to €3.00/kg. Heavy bulls are a more variable trade, with specialist finishers keeping a close eye on market spec.

The strongest demand is for a bull that will finish under 16 months. Aged, heavy bulls have been a more difficult trade and command prices of between €2/kg and €2.20/kg.

The weanling heifers trade continues to be strong and, like with bulls, light types are available only in limited supply. Heifers from 300kg to 400kg are selling mainly for between €2.40/kg and €2.60/kg in stronger suckler areas, with the top third making from €2.70/kg to €2.80/kg.

Where light heifers under 300kg are on offer, brisk demand is driving average prices to between €2.70/kg and €3.00/kg for good-quality types.