The mart trade has seen a welcome boost to demand in recent days after poor weather over the past few weeks weakened farmer demand at the ringside.

Weanling heifers and stores have seen the largest recovery in demand, with weanling heifers running at 5c/kg or €15/head to €20/head more than the equivalent bull.

Factory cattle have held firm while stores and even plainer quality stores have seen increased farmer buyer activity in the past few days.

There are signs that the supply of better-quality store bullocks is somewhat lower than demand, with buyers finding it harder to get numbers.

The average 500kg bullock is making €1,150 to €1,200, with U grades making up to €1,350. The heifer market is slightly improved on last week, with prices up by €10 to €20/head in recent days compared with last week.

The average 550kg R grade heifer is making €1,180 to €1,200, with U grades selling for up to €1,300/head. Lighter store heifers and bullocks have seen the largest increase in buyer demand, with more farmers sourcing for grass now. The average 450kg bullock has seen a price increase of about €10 to €15/head since the end of last week, while the equivalent heifer has improved by closer to €20/head in recent days.