Cattle marts have seen a jump in buyer activity in the past week. Mart managers have said that, along with high numbers on offer, grass buyers who held off on sourcing cattle due to poor spring weather and grass growth are now at ringsides and very active.

Again, it’s the better-quality cattle that have seen an improvement in prices, while plain dairy-crosses, and in particular light Friesians, are still a slow sell. Those under 300kg and of poor quality are finding it difficult to beat €1.50/kg.

In contrast, store Friesians over 500kg are being met with strong demand.

Exporters continue to be active for calves for export, while there seems to be improved demand for the Turkish market, with rumours of additional exporters starting back buying for the market. However, this activity may be mainly for the autumn trade.

Suckler cows with calves at foot are a steady trade. The main farmer demand is for better-quality cow and calf units, but there are plenty of buyers at ringsides for plain and old cow and calf units also.

Steers

Short-keep steers over 600kg can only be said to be brisk. Age, weight and quality are not having a massive effect on prices, with buyers active for all creeds and colours. The average 650kg bullock is making €1,450/head, with U grades making over €1,600/head. Forward stores are relatively firm, with prices edging upwards slightly where continentals are on offer. The average 550kg steer is selling mainly from €1,200 to €1,250. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg have been met with a little bit more grass buyer demand.

Heifers

The heifer trade has seen some improvements on last week. Those over 600kg are scarce, but where on offer are selling mainly from €1,300 to €1,480/head. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg are selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality R grades, while U grades are making well over €2.50/kg. Farmer buyers have increased their activity for lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg, with these selling mainly from €1,000 to €1,100/head, while better-quality U grades are making over €1,200/head.

Weanlings

The weanling trade has strengthened slightly. The quality of stock on offer has increased a little as farmers who were unwilling to sell during poor weather are now letting stock off with better weather forecast. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg have edged up slightly, with the average selling for €825/head, with heifers on par. Those from 200kg to 300kg have seen a little more exporter demand for heavier types and prices for these are ranging mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg and up to €3.20/kg for top-quality types.

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