Mart sales have continued to increase in size in the past week, with strong prices coaxing sellers out with stock slightly earlier than usual.

The trade has remained fairly firm in most areas, with farmers the main drivers of the market.

Export activity for weanling bulls has been low, while there continues to be demand for breeding heifers.

Where good-quality continental fleshed and forward cattle are on offer, the trade remains brisk. The trade for lighter store bullocks and heifers has been firm and prices are steady to slightly improved.

Where plainer quality cattle are on offer, average prices are lower, but there seems to be fairly strong demand. Cull cow numbers continue to be much higher than the same time last year and the trade is firm.

Good-quality fleshed continental cows are being met with the best demand, but buyers continue to be quite active for feeding types also.

Steers

Good=quality R+ and U grade forward stores have been a very strong trade, with average-quality R grades selling mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg or from €1,200 to €1,350 for 600kg. Store bullocks from 500kg to 600kg have been said to be a firm trade also and are selling at similar prices to fleshed types. The average 550kg bullock is making €1,100, with U grades making over €1,250/head. Farmer buyers continue to be very active for light stores and, as a result, the average 450kg bullock is making €1,000 to €1,100.

Heifers

Strong farmer demand for heifers has helped to improve prices in the past few weeks. In the last weeks of 2016, prices paid for heifers and steers were similar. However, a differential of about 5c to 10c/kg or €20 to €50/head has re-emerged. The average 550kg heifer is making €1,180 to €1,200, while the top third are making €120 to €140/head more. Heifers from 400kg to 500kg are selling mainly from €900 to €1,100, with the top third making €120 to €130/head more than the average heifer.

Weanlings

Demand continues to be very strong. In stronger suckler areas, the average 350kg continental bull is making €800 to €850/head, with top-quality types making €950 to €1,000/head. In parts of the south, there have been more dairy-bred runners coming to the fore, which has reduced average prices in these areas. Exporter demand for light bulls remains low. However, there is good export demand for weanling heifers in most parts. The average 350kg heifer is making approximately €30/head more than the equivalent bull.

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