There is much increased confidence at mart sales right across the country.

With BPS monies hitting accounts, this is also having a positive impact. Farmer buyers have increased their demand but also have feedlot buyers who have become more active sourcing stores also. The best demand is currently for lighter stores, although there has also been a lift in the prices paid for heavier stores over 500kg.

MartWatch figures are showing signs of the increase in positivity. However, with beef prices holding steady, we are probably seeing the top of the trade at the moment, with little more room for prices to increase until beef price rises are seen.

That said, sellers are welcoming the increases in prices also, with mart mangers commenting that clearance rates have increased alongside the slight increase in demand, and this has meant that cattle are easier sold and sellers are more content with prices. The cull cow trade has struggled to change though, with prices remaining steady on where they were a few weeks ago.

Steers

Steers over 600kg have seen little to no change in prices paid. The top third of bullocks over 600kg are making twice the weight. However, in stronger suckler areas, prices are running at up to €2.15/kg for these. Stores from 500kg to 600kg are slightly improved, with prices edging up by 5-6c/kg or €25 to €30/head. The average 550kg steer is selling for €1,067/head, while the top third are making €2.25/kg. Stores from 400kg to 500kg are an improved trade again with prices averaging over €2.05/kg in stronger suckler areas.

Heifers

Heifer prices are running on par with bullock prices, and stores have seen a good lift also. The average 500kg heifer is selling for €1.94/kg, with U grades making over €2.20/kg. This marks a lift of 6-8c/kg in the last week. Store heifers from 400kg to 500kg have seen prices improve also, with the average heifer selling for close to €2.00/kg again. The average 450kg heifer is making €900/head, with U grades making a 25c/kg premium on this. This means that the average 450kg U grade heifer is selling for just under €1,020/head.

Weanlings

The weanling trade has seen prices improve again. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are selling mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg, with U grades making over €2.50/kg in some sales. Farmer demand is strong and weanlings remain easier sold than in previous weeks. Light bulls have seen a prices rise also, but it has been more of a modest one. The average 250kg bull is making just shy of €600, with 350kg bulls selling for €750 and up to €800/head on average where the quality is better. Heifers are behind bulls by 10c/kg on average.