The numbers of weanlings coming on stream continues to increase week on week as we make our way to September.

Some mart managers have reported that strong numbers in August due to higher prices could mean smaller numbers forward come the end of the season.

That’s yet to show, but what’s for certain is that prices are proving as strong as ever, with select groups rising by as much as 25c/kg on the week.

However, as highlighted last week, over the past few weeks a number of specialised weanling show and sales with exceptional prices can skewer some categories, depending on numbers forward.

This is probably most evident in the heavier weanling heifer categories, which have the smallest numbers forward.

Heifers

Even excluding these higher-weight animals, the most common heifer weight division was for those between 300kg and 400kg, which saw a rise of 12c/kg on the week.

Better-quality lots of these weights rose by 14c/kg to see average sale price per kilogramme at €3.

Lighter heifers didn’t see as much of an increase on the week, but the base for good-quality lots stands at an impressive €3.15/kg.

On the bull weanling front, those weighing between 400kg and 450kg saw this best result over the past seven days.

On average, prices rose by 15c/kg, but for the real top end lots, prices increased by 20c/kg to settle at €2.91/kg.

Biggest numbers for the bulls was also for those weighing between 300kg and 400kg.

Average price rose by 9c/kg here to settle at €2.56, while better-quality lots again hit around the €2.90/kg mark.

Stores

Heifer and steer trade was a bit more mixed, but, in general, is showing good signs across the board.

Steer prices saw most head north in price, but only minimal in most cases. Heifers saw more prices drop on the week, but, again, this was minimal.

The biggest change on the week was for the real light stock which will need another full summer’s grazing to finish.

While fed heifer and steer prices remain quite static on the week, there was some noticeable buying patterns ringside.

Agents are back being more selective with regard to quality and especially back looking at animal age, with those over 30 months feeling a small pinch on previous weeks.

That said, demand for Angus- and Hereford-sired stock of any age remains as high as ever, with €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg the going rate for better-quality lots.

Cull cow trade remains as strong as ever, with average price for this week resting at €1.73/kg. This average rose to €2.12/kg for the top third.

Prices for the real top end were seen making €2.40/kg-plus. These prices are being driven by stiff competition ringside and online from factory agents, specialised finishers and northern buyers. To attract these buyers, cows need to be well fleshed and heavily muscled.

Suckler cow average price increased by €50 this week, settling at €1,420. Average for the top third of lots sold now rests at an impressive average of just shy of €1,800.