The mart trade has remained strong and steady, with mangers reporting strong trades throughout the country.

Numbers are running higher so far this year compared with the same period last year.

Where short-keep bullocks and heifers are on offer, feeder demand remains very strong, with specialist finishers snapping up forward bulls also. The cull cow trade continues to be brisk, backed by strong beef prices.

The poor weather conditions in the west and northwest have meant that there is little early grass buyer activity so far, but farmer buyers are still sourcing some lighter stores early to avoid the grass buyer rush in March and April.

The majority of stores being sourced currently will be housed for a few weeks before being let out to grass. In contrast, some southern and midlands buyers have started buying for grass.

Calf sales are starting to get larger also, but overall numbers so far are small. The majority of calves coming to the fore are light Friesian bulls suitable for export.

Steers

Good-quality short-keep stores are a brisk trade and numbers remain tight. Special sales are seeing strong factory and feeder demand. Average R grade bullocks over 600kg are selling from €2.00/kg to €2.30/kg, with U grades making over €2.45/kg. Forward stores from 550kg to 650kg are selling from €1,150 to €1,350. Farmer demand for lighter stores is improving and the trade so far is €30 to €40/head above the same week last year. The average 450kg steer is making €1,020 with traditional breeds making €850 to €900.

Heifers

The heifer trade has edged up slightly on last week. Again, suckler-bred animals are being met with the strongest demand. Stores over 600kg are scarce. Short-keep heifers from 500kg to 600kg are making from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg, with plainer types making from €900 to €1,100. Demand for lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg has improved slightly once again, with more buyer activity, mainly for better heifers. The average 450kg is making €990, with O grades selling for €800 to €850 and U grades making from €1,120 to €1,200.

Weanlings

Where young forward bulls are on offer, specialist finishers are very active. Prices of those from 450kg to 500kg are ranging from €1,100 to €1,350, depending on quality. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are a strong trade also, with the average 350kg bull selling from €805 to €900 for average-quality types. Weanling heifers are being sold at similar prices to bulls, with 350kg heifers making from €800 to €900 and up to €1,000. Lighter heifers from 200kg to 300kg sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.55/kg.

Read more

Cull cows still a strong trade

Strong factory demand for slaughter-fit bullocks

Farmers active for stronger and better-quality types

Dairy-cross weanlings a flying trade