The number of animals heading for mart rings is finally starting its seasonal decline, much later than in recent years.

Throughput is down almost 16% week on week according to the MartBids database.

A reduction in numbers has had a positive effect on the overall trade, with most categories of stock holding firm or increasing slightly compared with the previous seven days.

Steers

Having been back slightly over the past fortnight in the MartBids analysis, bullock prices are on the up once again this week.

The largest proportion of bullocks traded was in the 400kg to 500kg weight band and prices are up 4c/kg or €18/head to €20/head this week. It leaves the average price of a 450kg animal at €2.31/kg or just shy of €1,040/head.

Heavier stores from 500kg to 600kg averaged €2.44/kg this week, which equates to €1,342 for the average-quality 550kg bullock.

Those over 600kg had seen the greatest price reductions in recent weeks, but, perhaps with factory prices starting to rise once again, there seems to have been more bite ringside for these types. The average price this week sits at €2.47/kg, up 8c/kg on the week.

Heifers

The heifer trade remains firm as well this week, with the number of animals over 500kg getting particularly tight in the last two weeks.

Overall average prices in these weight bands are back on the week, but this is due to breeding heifer sales in recent weeks bumping up the overall average figures.

For 500kg to 600kg heifers, the average price is a respectable €2.48/kg or €1,364/head for a 550kg animal. At the top end of the market, €2.75/kg to €2.85/kg is easily available, putting a 550kg heifer into €1,570 at the very top end.

Weanlings

Weanling numbers are reducing significantly week on week at this stage, which has helped to boost overall demand.

Reports from mart mangers across the country is that while the average quality of animal coming through the ring has now dipped compared with September and October sales, where quality remains, there is still a huge demand for stock.

The average price paid for bull weanlings from 300kg to 400kg was €2.71/kg this week or €950/head for a 350kg bull.

At the top end of the trade, the price per kilo stretched to €3.13/kg, while the bottom third averaged €2.29/kg, similar to last week.

The greatest proportion of weanling heifers offered for sale is currently in the 200kg to 300kg weight band, with an average price of €2.64/kg this week, up 8c/kg on the previous seven days.

Dry cows

The dry cow trade was a bit firmer this week, with the average price paid increasing by 2c/kg to an average price of €1.74/kg.

For suckler types, €2/kg seems to be the baseline for feeding cows, while €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg is being achieved for younger and better conformed types. Well-fleshed and factory-fit continental cows are still making in excess of €2.50/kg in a lot of cases.