Marts throughout the country are slowly getting into some select autumn weanling sales, with demand for heifers proving exceptionally strong. While there are no big numbers of heavier weanlings yet, lighter heifer prices jumped by 20c/kg or more in some weight divisions.

Last week’s average across all marts for heifers between 300kg and 400kg stood at just shy of €2.50/kg, up 19c on the week. This rose up to €2.80/kg for the top third of lots, with select show prospect heifers going as high as €3.50/kg.

Seeing an even bigger increase in price were heifers between 200kg and 300kg which saw average price rise by 27c/kg to settle at an impressive €2.68. Top quality again reaped rewards, with the average for the top third of lots sold exceeding the €3/kg mark.

While weanling bulls didn’t see substantial increases, it still proved a lively week with the lighter types again attracting the higher prices. Bulls between 200kg and 300kg saw average price rise by 7c/kg to settle at €2.44/kg. The biggest increase came in this weight category for the upper end of cattle with the top third of lots selling for just shy of €3/kg, up 20c on the week.

Weanling bulls between 300kg and 400kg increased on the week with average prices rising by 8c/kg to level at €2.46/kg. The better-quality lots sailed past that mark, with the average rising to €2.74 for the top third sold.

Prices up across board

Marts continue to report very strong entries around the country for what should be a quiet time ahead of the autumn sale season. Prices are holding very well and are generally up across the board. Factory agents and northern buyers are helping to boost trade while a great grass-growing year has given farmers confidence to invest.

The dry cow trade remains buoyant, with average rising to €1.68/kg, up 7c on the week. Northern buyers continue to travel to secure that young muscular-type cow, with the top third of lots selling to average €2/kg. Belgian Blue-bred cows in particular are seeing a kick on in price, with prices up to €3.20/kg offered at some marts for the right cow.

While numbers were down in the suckler cow section, those present met a solid trade. Better quality again prevailed, with the top third of lots selling on average for €1,620, up €28 on the week. Average across the board was just shy of €1,300.

On the bullock front, factory-fit cattle remain scarce with those available for sale securing a premium price

Fit cattle continue to drive on. Factory agents are very active around marts for both steers and heifers as they try to keep supply going without increasing base prices.

Heifers are in short supply, with the national kill down substantially on the previous month. This is evident in mart prices with even the bottom third of heifers over 600kg seeing prices increase by 12c/kg on the week.

Overall this weight category saw the average price rise to €2.09/kg. Short-keep heifers continue their strong trade with many better-quality lots breaking the €2.50/kg mark.

On the bullock front, factory-fit cattle remain scarce with those available for sale securing a premium price. The average for steers 600kg plus rose by a further 4c/kg on the week, and sees the average now stand at €2.04/kg.

Prices being paid currently for both factory-fit and short-keep bullocks and heifers are up over 20c/kg compared to 2019 levels. The scarcity of this type of stock at the moment is allowing sellers more bargaining power as agents are slow to leave stock behind.