The past week has seen slightly improved prices for good-quality stock in most parts of the country. This has been due to improved quality on offer and continued low supply due to weather.

Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg have seen average prices improve. Prices are averaging from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg, with U grades making from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg.

However, aged cattle continue to be hit with poor demand and prices of €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg are more common.

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The average 550kg bullock is currently selling for €1,085. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg have seen prices strengthen by €25 to €40/head. The average 450kg bullock is selling for €925/head or €2.05/kg. Better-quality U grade are making from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg.

Forward heifers have seen an increase in prices and the average 550kg heifer is currently selling for €1,110 per head, an increase of €40/head in the past week.

Again, like steers, lesser-quality types continue to be a hard sell and prices of €1.70/kg to €1.90/kg are commonplace.

Lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg are currently selling for €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg on average, with better-quality types making €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg.

The average 450kg heifer is selling for €945 on average. Both weanling bulls and heifers have seen prices increase in the past week.

Farmers and exporters are driving the trade for bulls, while farmers are underpinning heifer prices. The quality of stock on offer in the past week has been very strong due to special sales and this has helped prices.

Bulls from 300kg to 400kg saw average prices increase by €30 to €35/head.

The average 350kg bull sold for €756/head or €2.16/kg, while the top third in terms of quality are making from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg on average or €900/head.

Lesser-quality weanling bulls continue to be hit with poor demand and in some areas, prices of €1.70/kg to €1.90/kg are being paid for these types.

Heifers from 300kg to 400kg are making €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg on average, or €735 to €800 per head. The top third of heifers in the same category are selling from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg, with top-quality types making as much as €2.70/kg.

The cull cow trade has seen a lift in the past two weeks. Continental R grades are selling from €1.60/kg to €1.80/kg, with U grade cows making from €1.80/kg to a top price of €2.00/kg.