In keeping with recent weeks, good-quality continental cattle and forward stores have been the best trade, while dairy-cross stock continue to be variable, depending on quality, with the weakest prices paid for those under 250kg.

Feedlot buyers continue to be active for all forward cattle over 500kg to 550kg, while exporter activity is said to be very strong also.

The main demand for export-type weanling bulls is for those from 230kg to 280kg and under 10 months of age.

There is a good price differential now visible for plainer black and coloured bulls and bullocks.

The number of cull cows on offer continues to drop slowly, but demand for fleshed cows is very strong on the back of high beef prices.

Steers

Data shows that bullock prices have improved slightly and are now back on par with a few weeks ago. The main driver of this has been an improvement in the quality of cattle on offer. Heavy bullocks over 600kg are selling from €1,300 to €1,600, with some marts reporting prices of up to €2.65/kg paid for U grade bullocks. Forward stores are selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types and up to €2.60/kg for U grades. Light stores from 400kg to 500kg are steady and are selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg.

Heifers

The heifer trade has seen a slight improvement in the past week also. Lower numbers are leading to more competition at the ringside, which is having a slightly positive effect on the trade. While prices are running 5c to 10c/kg above the same time last year, it is worth noting that the trade is about two weeks later in terms of supply and demand. The average 450kg store heifer is making €1,035/head. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg are selling from €1,200 to €1,350/head, while plainer types are selling for about double the weight.

Weanlings

Weanling demand has been boosted by a sharp increase in demand from exporters looking to source average- to plain-quality bulls. While the weights and ages of bulls they are sourcing is limiting them to certain types of cattle, it is a positive for all weanlings. The average 350kg bull is making €830, while the top third are making €1,000/head. Those from 200kg to 300kg are selling from €600 to €750/head. Heifers from 300kg to 400kg are selling at similar levels to bulls, while lighter bulls are selling for 5c to 6c/kg more than heifers.

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