Despite mixed weather in many parts of the country in the past week, mart sales continue to be brisk.

Where good-quality cattle are on offer, there are plenty of buyers at the ready. While short-keep cattle are a flying trade, there are reports of strong demand for all good-quality dairy-cross stores also.

The cull cows trade is still a talking point, with fleshed cows continuing to be met with strong prices.

Suckler cull cows that are well conformed and carrying flesh continue to sell from €1.80/kg to €1.95/kg, with R grade cows needing further feeding selling from €1.60/kg upwards.

Dairy culls are still a good trade, with a strong proportion of those on offer carrying good flesh. While these are a strong trade, there is good demand for store cows suitable for turning out to grass and slaughtering at the beef price peak in mid-summer. Friesian stores are selling mainly from €1.10/kg to €1.30/kg with those carrying flesh making over €1.50/kg.

Steers

The bullock trade has strengthened slightly, mostly at the upper end of weights. Factory agents and feeders are still active for short-keep heavy bullocks. In many cases, age is not a hindrance. Bullocks over 600kg are making from €750 to €850 along with the weight. Average-quality types are making from €670 to €720 over the weight. Demand for feeding bullocks over 550kg is strong and steady. Prices are up marginally. The average 550kg bullock is making €1,200, while plainer Angus types are selling from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg.

Heifers

The heifer trade has held firm. Those over 600kg are few and far between. Where on offer, prices are about €30/head above the same week last year. U grade heavy heifers are making from €2.25/kg to €2.35/kg or from €1,350 to €1,450. Forward stores are a steady trade on last week, with the average 550kg heifer costing €1,180. Lighter store heifers from 400kg to 500kg are selling mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg, with the top third making up to €2.55/kg.

Weanlings

The weanling bull trade has seen some improvements, while the heifer trade has held firm. Heavy bulls over 450kg are a very strong trade, with plenty of feeder demand. Prices of €1,150 to €1,350 are common, depending on quality. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are up slightly, with a little more farmer demand evident. Prices of €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg are being paid for average-quality types. Light bulls from 200kg to 300kg are a steady trade on last week, while light heifers are selling at higher prices than the equivalent bull.

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