Demand for weanlings has increased in the past week with farmers the main driving force behind the increase in demand. While weanling bull prices are stagnant, MartWatch data shows weanling heifer prices to have improved by €15 to €20/head.

The average 350kg heifer is making about €760/head, with the top third selling for just over €900/head. Mart managers have said most of the increase in demand is for better-quality weanlings.

However, there is also improved demand for plainer-quality types, with the bottom third of heifers seeing prices improve by 7c/kg or €25/head. Weanling heifers under 250kg are a mixed trade, with the main focus for buyers being quality. The average 250kg heifer is selling for €570/head, with the top third making €700/head, which is close to the pricsame time last year.

The best demand is for better-quality Charolais weanling bulls. In most mart sales these are selling mainly from €800/head to €850/head for 350kg, with better-quality types making up to €900/head at the top of the trade.

Demand for feeding bulls is said to be steady, with the best prices paid for well-muscled U grade bulls suitable for finishing under 16 months of age. Prices of these are ranging mainly from €1,050 to €1,200/head.

Plain light weanlings under 250kg are still a difficult trade in most areas, but in the south of the country there has been improved export demand, particularly for Friesian and Angus bulls from 200kg to 250kg.

Friesians in this weight range are said to be selling mainly from €300 to €350/head, while good-quality light Angus bulls are selling from €380 to €420/head.

The majority of these calves which are being bought for export are going to Spain.