The past week has seen an improved trade for weanlings around the country, sparked by a mixture of improved demand and the quality of stock available.

Special autumn weanling sales have seen positive results with farmers and exporters underpinning the trade. This has boosted suckler farmer confidence. However, numbers flowing through marts are still much lower than last year due to weather conditions. A change in weather and increased numbers could test demand.

Weanling bulls from 300kg to 400kg saw prices improve by €30-€35/head and the average 350kg bull is selling for €759/head. The top third in the same weight bracket are making from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg or about €900/head.

However, demand for lesser-quality types continues to be low and prices of €1.70 to €1.90/kg are commonplace for poor quality bulls from 300kg to 400kg. U+ and E grade bulls suitable for export are making from €2.70/kg to €3.00/kg.

Feeder and exporter demand is placing a firm floor under the prices of bulls over 450kg and they are selling mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg.

Weanling heifers have been met with improved farmer demand and 300kg to 400kg heifers are selling from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg on average, or €735 to €800/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.

Meanwhile, the store trade has improved with increased demand from British and Northern Irish wholesale finishers at several marts. However, aged bullocks and heifers continue to be met with poor demand due to the fallout from the beef trade.

The average 550kg store bullock continues to sell from €1,045 to €1,155, with better-quality U grades making approximately €1,200/head. Heifers continue to be a similar trade to bullocks.