The past week has been another strong week in terms of the prices paid for good-quality cattle at the marts.

However, in recent weeks, there seems to be more plainer cattle coming through the system and less better quality suckler-bred types.

While average prices in MartWatch are down, many mart managers have commented that the prices paid for good-quality continental stores has actually strengthened slightly, especially forward store types, with specialist finisher demand underpinning the trade for short-keep types.

Farmer demand for stores is said to be quite solid too, with farmers still actively sourcing cattle. The largest decrease in the quality of stock on offer has been in the weanling rings, where a greater proportion of the trade is now made up of dairy crosses. While beef prices are probably at or approaching peak, this has had a positive effect on the cull cow trade, with extremely strong demand for all forward and short-keep cows.

Steers

Heavy store bullocks over 600kg are selling from €2.10/kg to €2.25/kg on average, with U grades selling from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg are steady, selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg with plainer types from €2.00/kg to €2.15/kg. At the top of the market, there are some U grades selling from €2.60/kg to €2.70/kg. Light stores from 400kg to 500kg are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for continentals. Angus- and Hereford-crosses are selling from €1.80/kg to €2.10/kg, with Friesians a little easier.

Heifers

Mart managers have said that the number of heavy heifers on offer are very low, with finishers having snapped up as many as they could in the past two months. Where those from 500kg to 600kg are on offer, they are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.35/kg for average-quality types and up to €2.80/kg in some cases for U grades and E grades. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg are still being met with good farmer demand, which is matching the supply. Prices are averaging at €2.30/kg, with the bottom third making about twice the weight.

Weanlings

Weanling prices have been more variable than stores. This is dues to a greater proportion of dairy-crosses on offer and less suckler-bred weanlings. Where Friesian bulls are on offer, prices of €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg are common for average- to good-quality types. Continental weanlings from 300kg to 400kg are selling mainly from €2.35/kg to €2.55/kg, which is similar to recent weeks. Top-quality bulls are making well over €3.00/kg. Heifer prices are about 10c/kg above the average bull price, mainly due to less dairy influence apparent.

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