The mart trade has seen a little easing in the past week, mainly due to increased farmer activity in the fields and less activity in the marts.

Average prices are back a little, but this is a combined effect of a dip in quality and lower demand. The best trade continues to be for good-quality cattle, with better-quality continentals holding firm in terms of prices, while plainer-quality cattle are a little slower to sell in the past week.

The cow trade is still very strong despite decreasing factory prices. The disconnect between the prices paid for slaughter-fit cows in the marts and in the factory is increasing, with factory agents and large-scale feeders continuing to pay higher prices in the marts for top-quality cows.

At the top of the trade, there are good numbers of top-quality continentals making from €1.85/kg to €1.95/kg. There are some well-muscled cows making over €2.00/kg, but not as many as previous weeks. Feeding cows are not as strong a trade as heavy and short-keep types, and prices are easing slightly for these.

Steers

Continental bullocks are holding firm, but plainer bullocks are being met with a slightly more difficult trade. Those over 600kg are selling for €1.90/kg on average, with prices averaging at €2.00/kg. U grade bullocks in the same weight range are selling for over €2.15/kg. Forward stores are steady, with prices mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg are selling mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg, with top-quality types from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg, driven by strong demand for top-quality continentals.

Heifers

Heifer prices have been weakening since last week. The quality of those on offer and lower beef prices have forced down the prices paid for short-keep heifers. Heavy heifers have been met with the strongest beef price drop of €30 to €50/head. Those from 500kg to 600kg have seen prices ease, but by a lesser amount of €20 to €25/head. Farmer demand is best for better-quality light store heifers from 400kg to 500kg. These are selling mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg for R grades and for over €2.60/kg for top-quality heifers.

Weanlings

Better-quality weanling bulls are being met with the strongest demand. Bulls over 450kg suitable for feeding are being met with mixed demand, while those from 300kg to 400kg are a little easier also. The average 350kg bull is making €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg, while the top third are making from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg. Plain-quality weanlings are easier, with more dairy-cross genetics on offer. Light bulls under 250kg have seen prices ease also. The heifer trade is mirroring the trade for weanling bulls.

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