Heavy cattle prices increased by over €150/head on average over the last 12 months. Exclusive Irish Farmers Journal MartBids analysis shows that the price of all ages and types of cattle improved during 2021.

The biggest improvement came for the better-quality cattle, with the top one-third of cattle across all categories showing the biggest improvement.

Heifers weighing 600kg in the top-quality category were up by €186/head or 31c/kg on 2020 prices.

Bullocks

It was a similar story for bullocks, with heavy bullocks up 25c/kg or between €150/head and €200/head in marts.

A strong back end for beef prices also helped to drive the weanling trade.

The average for both bulls and heifers in the most popular weight bracket of 300kg to 400kg rose to €2.52/kg in 2021.

Taking the average 350kg weanling, the 2021 price per head came in at €882.

That was €50 better than 2020, and €70/head higher than 2019 levels. This average price increased to €2.90/kg for the top one-third in this category or €1,015/head.