Weanling numbers at marts jumped this week due to the worsening weather.

Good farmer and exporter demand kept the trade steady for quality types. The larger numbers hit prices for plain and light weanlings, particularly in dairy areas.

The average 350kg weanling bull is making €791/head or €2.26/kg. That’s on par with last year, despite the average R4 steer beef price running 35c/kg behind the same week last year.

Compared to last week, the average price for weanlings bulls in MartWartch has eased by 7c/kg or €20-€25/head.

In suckler areas, marts report a steady trade for quality types while plainer bulls are slightly harder sold. Well-muscled bulls suitable for export are selling from €2.60/kg to €2.80/kg.

In contrast, forward bulls of 450kg to 500kg are back by about €150/head on last year.

Thanks to export demand, bulls from 250kg to 300kg are running 9c/kg or €20 to €25/head above last year. The average 280kg bull is making €711.

Weanling heifer sales are dominated by farmer demand and as a result prices are 15-20c/kg behind the equivalent bull price.

Exports

Following hectic deliveries last week by boat and truck, exporters are now working to tie down further orders.

The next livestock boat is expected to be filled by Viastar, later this month, again with bulls for Turkey. Exporters continue to buy stock in expectation of further consignments by boat and truck.

Demand for imported livestock of all types in Turkey, Libya and adjoining markets is set to remain strong.

Seamus Scallion of the Wicklow Calf Company has an order for 250 Angus bulls which he hopes may be repeated.