Sales have gotten larger in the past week and so too have the prices. Mart managers right around the country have commented on the strength of the trade and activity of farmer buyers.

Not only have bullocks gotten dearer, but good-quality weanling bulls and heifers have been met with stronger demand right across the country.

The cow trade continues to be strong, with plenty of buyers sourcing feeding cows. The quality of Friesian cow on offer is better than last year, as cows have been fed on to milk over the winter months and in a lot of cases have had a period dry before sale.

The majority of Friesian cows are selling from €1.10/kg to €1.20/kg. Those carrying more flesh are selling to more than €1.30/kg, with factory-fit Friesians making over €1.50/kg in some areas. Jersey-crosses are not quite as strong, with most struggling to beat €0.90/kg.

Continental cows are a very strong trade also, with some sales recording prices as high as €2.00/kg for cow-heifers. The majority of feeding continental cows are selling mainly from €1.60/kg to €1.75/kg.

Steers

Factory-fit and short-keep steers have seen price increase slightly again in the past week, with farmers and agents active for all types. The average 600kg steer is from €2.02/kg, with U grades making €2.30/kg. Angus types are selling for around twice the weight. Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg have increased 5c/kg or €25 to €30/head on the week. Average prices are €15 to €20/head more than last year. Light stores have seen improved farmer demand and prices are up by 5c to 6c/kg. The average 450kg steer is at €975/head.

Heifers

Farmers are driving the heifer trade also, with prices edging up further on last week. Those from 500kg to 600kg are selling for close to €2.10/kg, which is 4c/kg or €20 to €25/head above the same time last year. The top third are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for continentals. Lighter store heifers are a steady trade, but in some special sales, prices have taken a sharp lift. However, at theses sales, the quality of continentals on offer is very high, which is boosting the prices.

Weanlings

The average price paid for weanling bulls and heifers has taken a good lift again in the last week. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg are being met with the best demand from farmers and are fetching the highest prices. Prices are running about €30 to €40/head above the same week last year. Light bulls under 300kg have seen a lift in demand and prices also, and are now running more than 20c/kg above the same week last year. The average 350kg weanling heifer is selling for €2.34/kg or €820/head.

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