The mart trade can only be described as being well improved this week, with much more farmer and feeders actively sourcing stock.
MartWatch analysis of prices over the past week has shown that almost all categories of cattle have been met with an improved trade, with the exception of heavy bullocks over 600kg.
In some areas, there has been a little downward price pressure on these in line with continuous reductions on beef prices by factories in recent weeks.
In addition, some of the reduction in average prices is due to a greater number of overage or aged bullocks on offer that would not be killed under 30 months.
Where these are passing through marts, they are a slightly easier trade than they have been in previous weeks, as there is less buyer activity for them.
The cull cow trade has been quite consistent in the past week also, with plenty of feeders sourcing all types of cows.
Steers
The average 600kg steer is selling from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg in most areas where continentals are on offer. However, where plainer cattle and overage cattle are on offer, prices are running about 20c/kg behind this. Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg are a slightly improved trade, driven by feedlot and farmer buyers. The average 550kg bullock is selling from €2.14/kg, up 16c/kg on last week, with the majority selling for over €2.20/kg where continentals are on offer. The top third are selling from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg.
Heifers
While heifers are an improved trade also, they are not improved to the extent of bullocks, as buyer demand is not just as strong. The average farmer buyer is looking for a good-quality heifer suitable for further feeding or to put to grass in the spring and finish off grass. The average 600kg heifer is making €2.13/kg, while so too are those from 500kg to 600kg. The top third are selling mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg. Farmer activity for light store heifers is a little better also and prices are ranging mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg.
Weanlings
With less plainer weanlings on offer, weanling bulls are well improved on recent weeks. They have been met with more farmer buyer activity than that for stores. However, weanling heifers are still struggling a little, with no major export demand and mixed farmer demand. The majority of buyers are sourcing better-quality types. Feeders are still also quite active for heavy weanling bulls suitable for finishing under 16 months.
Read more
Camera at the mart: strong demand for quality feeding stores at Roscommon
Improved trade for lambs in Mountbellew Mart
Camera at the mart: increased prices in Fermoy Mart
Camera at the mart: flying trade for heifers at Ballymena Mart
Northern view: higher cattle kill keeping prices steady
The mart trade can only be described as being well improved this week, with much more farmer and feeders actively sourcing stock.
MartWatch analysis of prices over the past week has shown that almost all categories of cattle have been met with an improved trade, with the exception of heavy bullocks over 600kg.
In some areas, there has been a little downward price pressure on these in line with continuous reductions on beef prices by factories in recent weeks.
In addition, some of the reduction in average prices is due to a greater number of overage or aged bullocks on offer that would not be killed under 30 months.
Where these are passing through marts, they are a slightly easier trade than they have been in previous weeks, as there is less buyer activity for them.
The cull cow trade has been quite consistent in the past week also, with plenty of feeders sourcing all types of cows.
Steers
The average 600kg steer is selling from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg in most areas where continentals are on offer. However, where plainer cattle and overage cattle are on offer, prices are running about 20c/kg behind this. Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg are a slightly improved trade, driven by feedlot and farmer buyers. The average 550kg bullock is selling from €2.14/kg, up 16c/kg on last week, with the majority selling for over €2.20/kg where continentals are on offer. The top third are selling from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg.
Heifers
While heifers are an improved trade also, they are not improved to the extent of bullocks, as buyer demand is not just as strong. The average farmer buyer is looking for a good-quality heifer suitable for further feeding or to put to grass in the spring and finish off grass. The average 600kg heifer is making €2.13/kg, while so too are those from 500kg to 600kg. The top third are selling mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg. Farmer activity for light store heifers is a little better also and prices are ranging mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg.
Weanlings
With less plainer weanlings on offer, weanling bulls are well improved on recent weeks. They have been met with more farmer buyer activity than that for stores. However, weanling heifers are still struggling a little, with no major export demand and mixed farmer demand. The majority of buyers are sourcing better-quality types. Feeders are still also quite active for heavy weanling bulls suitable for finishing under 16 months.
Read more
Camera at the mart: strong demand for quality feeding stores at Roscommon
Improved trade for lambs in Mountbellew Mart
Camera at the mart: increased prices in Fermoy Mart
Camera at the mart: flying trade for heifers at Ballymena Mart
Northern view: higher cattle kill keeping prices steady
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