With low numbers of cattle and weak demand over the past few weeks on account of the drought, light plain cattle and especially dairy-cross cattle were the worst affected in terms of prices. However, with an improvement to cattle prices and demand in the past week, prices are starting to recover again. While better-quality cattle will see prices recover quicker than plain types, some mart managers have said that there is real value in some of these plainer and light dairy-cross cattle for purchasers. Where Friesian weanlings from 200kg to 300kg are coming to the fore, prices are ranging mainly from €1.50-€1.60/kg, while plain Angus weanlings from the dairy herd are selling from €1.70/kg to €1.90/kg depending on quality.

Factoring in the purchase price as calves and the cost in getting them to that stage, these do represent value for money. However, when buying them, one must think of selling. When cattle are scarce, all plainer-quality cattle are a good trade. However, if the market falters or if demand is weak, then these will be the first category of cattle to be hit in price. For that reason, they are best suited for those that can bring them to the forward store or slaughter stage. Lesser-quality continental weanlings also may prove to be quite good value also. Currently there is less export demand for these types than the same time last year and some farmers are capitalising on this.