There have been some positive trends in sales in the past week. While plain cattle are still struggling in most areas, mart managers have said that there was improved farmer and feedlot activity over last weekend and earlier this week.

Where special weanling sales have taken place, there has been a lift in farmer buyer activity for better-quality types and for plainer-types, especially in more southern areas of the country.

While plainer-quality weanlings are still a little more difficult to sell than better-quality types, prices have increased slightly in line with improved demand. There are also some reports of slightly improved demand for feeding cows, but mainly for Friesian types, with Jersey-cross cows still selling but at a price.

The majority of good-quality feeding continental cows are selling from €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg, with short-keep and slaughter-fit types from €1.80/kg to €1.95/kg. Dairy cull cows are selling mainly from €1.00/kg to €1.20/kg for feeding cows.

Steers

Feeders are active for all short-keep steers, with the majority of continentals over 600kg selling from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg for R grades. Where Friesians are on offer, prices are about €1.60/kg to €1.70/kg for average-quality types. Lighter store bullocks from 500kg to 550kg are being met with improved feeder demand. Larger feedlot activity has created more bite in some of the sales. However, they are trying to buy plainer Angus and Herefords at a price. U grade bullocks are still making from €650 to €825 with the weight.

Heifers

The heifer trade has seen a lift in prices across the board, driven by improved farmer activity. Where heavy heifers over 600kg are on offer, prices of €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg are common, while U grades are making from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg, up nearly €50/head on average at some sales on the previous week. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg are being met with improved demand also, with buyers still focusing on better-quality types. The average 550kg heifer is making €1,180/head. Lighter store heifers, like bullocks, are still a slower sell.

Weanlings

Where special sales of weanlings are taking place, the trade is well improved. Farmer activity at weanling sales is said to be better than previous weeks, but light plain weanlings continue to be met with lower clearance rates. Mart managers are saying that feeders are very active for good-quality heavy bulls and the prices paid for good-quality 330kg to 380kg bulls is a little improved. Light bulls under 300kg are a little bit better also, but only where good-quality types are on offer. Light Friesian and Angus bulls are still slow sellers.