Slightly improved weather and grass growth last week enticed more grass buyers to ringsides across the country. This created a little more bite in the trade, particularly for better quality animals.

However, there are reports of light dairy-cross weanlings in the south being a slower sell, due to a greater abundance of plainer-quality types on offer, with demand variable.

Heavier plain cattle are a much better trade than light plain types.

The trade for cull cows continues to be very brisk, driven by strong feeder and finisher demand on account of strengthened beef prices.

The best trade in cows is once again heavy, fleshed and young types, which are selling for over €2.00/kg at the top of the market. Feeding continentals are selling mainly from €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg, with plain and old types selling from €1.40/kg and upwards.

Steers

Forward store bullocks have seen a slight improvement in prices, with more grass buyer demand at ringsides. Better-quality bullocks are the best trade, with prices running ahead of the same week last year. MartWatch data shows short-keep steers over 600kg selling for €2.20/kg, up 6c/kg or €36/head on last week. R grade forward stores are making from €2.20/kg to €2.25/kg for average-quality types, while 400kg to 500kg stores are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types and up to €2.65/kg for U grades.

Heifers

Like heavy bullocks, heavy heifers are being met with very strong demand. Those over 600kg are scarce, with average-quality types making from €2.05/kg to €2.15/kg. Forward store heifers from 500kg to 600kg are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg or from €1,100 to €1,380/head depending on weight and quality. Where plainer dairy Angus-crosses are on offer, prices of €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg are common. Demand for light stores from 400kg to 500kg has improved. Prices are ranging mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg.

Weanlings

The weanling trade is firm. While buyer activity is strong, prices have not seen the larger increases as what was seen in forward stores. Good-quality R and U grade weanling bulls are a strong trade. Light weanlings under 300kg are variable, with lesser-quality plainer types having a negative impact on prices, particularly in dairy areas. Where poor-quality light Frieisans are on offer, prices of €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg are common, while Angus and Hereford types have also seen some price pressure in recent days.

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