The numbers of weanlings being offered for sale has started to increase significantly in recent days, with trade settling into a decent rhythm.

Prices are running ahead of this time last year, but whether it is by enough to cover the increased costs experienced on farms this year remains to be seen.

Comparing this week’s trade to the same week last year, the average bull weanling is running 16c/kg above 2021 levels, which equates to just over €50/head on a 320kg animal.

This price differential increases to over 20c/kg for the top third of stock or €64/head on the same weight bull, whereas for the bottom third of stock, this week’s price is just 9c/kg ahead of 2021 levels. It suggests that now, more than ever, quality is paying.

Lighter bull weanlings weighing 200kg to 300kg averaged €2.87/kg this week, up significantly on last week.

However, this puts the average 250kg bull at just over €715/head, which would struggle to cover the cost of keeping a cow this year in many instances.

The MartBids Database is showing weanling heifers running pretty much at the same level as this time last year. However, at the top end of the market, there is a slight increase in price.

It means the average price for 300kg to 400kg weanling heifers sits at €2.73/kg this week, which equates to €956 for a 350kg animal.

Numbers of weanling heifers are much lower than bulls as of yet, but over the next three weeks, it is expected that this will increase significantly.

Bullocks

Bullocks enjoyed another positive week of trading, especially at heavier weights.

The average price paid for a 600kg-plus bullock sits at €2.56/kg, putting a 650kg animal into €1,664/head, whereas the upper third of the market made €2.90/kg or €1,885 for the same weight animal.

At lighter weights, where cattle are that bit further from finish, trade has eased slightly in the last week or 10 days.

Where farmers are looking to reduce stock numbers to ease demand on grass, the best approach would be to keep on lighter stores and sell heavier cattle that are making more per kilo.

Putting another 50kg to 70kg on a 440kg store prior to sale later in autumn currently looks like the best option for this class of stock.

Heifers

Heifer prices at lighter weights are running at a similar level to recent weeks.

Again, buyers are favouring that closer to finish, with greater risk associated with stock that will not be fit for slaughter until next March or April.

Even within the 400kg to 500kg weight bracket, there is a huge price differential between heifers from 480kg to 500kg compared with the same quality animal 50kg lighter.

Heavy heifers are back slightly in the overall analysis this week, but some of this is down to breeding heifer sales last week.

Speaking to mart managers, the demand for short-keep stock remains strong, with finishers looking to secure stock that will be fit for the run-up to Christmas.