The trade has remained firm across the country in the past week.

Tight supplies have been met with strong demand and, in some cases, good-quality store and weanling prices have increased by up to €20/head since before Christmas.

Mart managers have said that while exporter demand for weanling bulls has remained low, there is now some exporter demand for weanling heifers suitable for breeding and this is helping weanling heifer prices in some sales.

Feedlot activity is much increased on where it was before the Christmas break, with feeders actively sourcing feeding stock.

Where fleshed cattle are on offer, factory agents continue to be very active, with little discrimination on age.

Demand for fleshed cows has improved also, with prices surpassing what is available in factories for choice lots.

Steers

The Martwatch database shows prices have improved well on last week, but this is mainly due to small sales. Where continental bullocks are on offer, prices are now slightly ahead of where they were before Christmas. The average 600kg steer is currently making from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg for good-quality types, with U grades making over €2.30/kg in some areas. Forward store bullocks have been met with slightly improved feeder demand, with prices of Angus and Herefords improved by 10c to 15c/kg.

Heifers

Demand for forward store heifers over 500kg is currently outstripping supply. As a result, grade continentals are making from €2.05/kg to €2.15/kg on average and up to €2.40/kg in some special sales. Lighter store types from 400kg to 500kg are making from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg for continentals. Plainer continentals and dairy derivatives are making from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg. In contrast, U grade stores are making from €2.35/kg to €2.55/kg for U grades.

Weanlings

The supply of weanlings has been low in most areas and, as a result, all good-quality continentals are being met with strong demand. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are making €2.20/kg to €2.35/kg in many areas, similar to prices last October. Farmers are said to be active at the ringside and feeders are sourcing forwards bulls from 450kg upwards at prices of €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg. Demand for weanling heifers is strong also, with farmers and some export activity now present at the ringside.

Read more

Feeders and agents active at Roscrea fatstock sale

Farmers active for quality four- and five-star heifers and cows in Ennis

Steady demand for a smaller entry at Enniskillen