The past week has seen a strong trade at ringsides all around the country. The number of stock on offer has increased yet again, although sales in recent days have seen numbers drop slightly in some areas after special sales.

Feedlot activity has started to increase. However, strong store prices are causing some buyers to be cautious. The store trade has seen prices improve slightly.

Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg continue to sell at €2.00/kg on average, which is on par with the same time last year. U grades are making from €2.20kg to €2.40/kg. Lighter types from 400kg to 500kg are selling mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg, with U grades making from €2.40/kg to €2.50kg.

The heifer trade has been steady and prices are on par with steers. Average prices of heifers are currently lagging €40 to €60 behind the same time last year.

The average 550kg heifer is selling at €1,110 per head or €2.02/kg. Better-quality U grade heifers are selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg. Lighter types from 400kg to 500kg are selling for €2.07/kg on average, or €931 for the average 450kg heifer. Better-quality types are making from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg.

The weanling trade has strengthened in the past week due to strong farmer and exporter demand. The number of weanlings on offer continues to lag well behind the same time last year due to the favourable weather conditions. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold for €2.25/kg on average in the past week. In stronger suckler areas average prices of €2.30/kg were more common. Better-quality types sold up to €2.60/kg.

Where there is a strong dairy influence, prices continue to lag well behind the average. There continues to be strong export demand for well-muscled bulls for the Italian market.

Weanling heifers from 300kg to 400kg are selling for €2.26/kg, with the top third in terms of quality selling from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg. Farmers continue to push prices for these types, helped by the fodder and grass situation. Light heifers from 200kg to 300kg are selling for €2.54/kg on average, with the top third making up to €2.90/kg.

There has been an increase in the number of cull cows coming to the fore in recent weeks.

In the midlands, these are predominantly Friesians and prices have slipped slightly as a result.