Factory prices have started to head in reverse and with this the trade at marts for fed cattle has started to move the same way.

Mart managers are reporting that fed cattle are back between €20 and €30 on the previous week.

However, they are quick to state that is off particularly strong prices in January.

Looking at the Martbids data, it’s clear to see that heifers of 600kg-plus are most affected. This week’s average fell by 18c/kg to settle at €2.11/kg. This drop was even more substantial for the better-quality fed heifers which witnessed a price drop of 37c/kg on the week.

Overall, steers of 600kg-plus settled at €2.09/kg, while the better-quality steers boasted an average of €2.27/kg

Steers of the same weight didn’t see as noticeable a drop, but were already after seeing significant drops the two weeks previous.

Overall, steers of 600kg-plus settled at €2.09/kg, while the better-quality steers boasted an average of €2.27/kg.

Short-keep stock again saw a bigger drop in the heifers compared with steers. In fact, bullock prices increased marginally on the week, but that average price remains around €2.10/kg, mirrored for heifers from 500kg to 600kg.

While lighter stock have seen a slight drop on the week, mart managers are reporting that stock are holding firm, with buyers still quite eager. Light stock suitable for grazing are seeing strong farmer demand, with cattle under 500kg selling on average for €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg.

Cull cow numbers are easing back, but prices are holding very strong

Better-quality light stock made around the €2.40/kg mark, with over €2.50/kg for a number of the better lots.

Cull cow numbers are easing back, but prices are holding very strong. This is still being driven by the younger, more conformed continental type of cow, which is in high demand still from northern buyers. These buyers are still identifying sales located in strong suckler country and driving some cows to in excess of €2/kg.

Overall, the top third of cull cows sold came into an average price of €1.70/kg, but when looking at just suckler-bred stock this average surpasses €1.80/kg.

Weanlings

Late spring weanlings are still proving a lively trade, with most lighter stock seeing increased averages on the week.

This trade is being driven by farmer buyers, with heavier stock starting to feel the pinch. Light bulls of better quality saw an impressive average of €2.84/kg, while heifers of a similar weight reached higher, to just below €3/kg.

Mart managers noted the heavy weanling bulls only suited for feeding out of the shed are starting to become harder sold

As weights increased, prices eased. However, the average for better-quality weanlings across the weights remains €2.50/kg-plus. Mart managers noted the heavy weanling bulls only suited for feeding out of the shed are starting to become harder sold.

Dairy

A number of dairy sales containing freshly calved cows or cows nearing time up are being met with a phenomenal trade.

While numbers on the ground are light, those selling are mostly making between the €1,650 and €1,850 mark.

Well-bred stock or those with particularly good production figures could be seen exceeding the €2,000 mark on a number of occasions.

Sheep

In contrast to the beef factory price, sheep factory prices recovered well last week and increased again this week.

This increased price has fed through well to the live trade, with more farmers looking to buy. Made up of mostly hogget trade, the bigger sales are being met with a strong demand and prices are generally up about €3/head.