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.
Read more
Prices for heavy bullocks up €60/hd
Strong trade for calves in Castleisland
Friesian bulls selling for €105/head on average
NI cattle trade steady as hogget prices rise
What's on in the marts
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.
Read more
Prices for heavy bullocks up €60/hd
Strong trade for calves in Castleisland
Friesian bulls selling for €105/head on average
NI cattle trade steady as hogget prices rise
What's on in the marts
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