Mart numbers are still running higher than the same time last year, with many mart managers commenting that the relatively good autumn has led to farmers selling cattle later than previous years.
With ground conditions still relatively good, the usual burst of numbers coinciding with heavy rainfall has not happened thus far, which has helped prices stay reasonably steady.
However, in the past week, demand has started to reduce, with buyers’ orders starting to fill up right across the country.
This is leading to a slight slippage in the average prices recorded in the MartWatch system.
However, in all parts of the country, the prices paid for better-quality cattle are holding firm, resulting in a further widening in the gap between top- and bottom-quality cattle.
Another issue which will start to affect the trade to a greater extent in the coming weeks is the quality of cattle on offer. At this stage, the proportion of plainer-quality cattle in sales increases, which will have an effect on average prices.
Steers
Heavy bullocks have been a little easier in recent days, with demand starting to reduce. The best-quality types over 600kg are still selling from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg, but demand for plainer and overage bullocks has eased by up to €40/head in some areas. The average 550kg bullock is selling for just under €2.00/kg, with the top third selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg. Where Angus and Herefords are on offer, prices are ranging mainly from €1.70/kg to €1.90/kg, depending on quality.
Heifers
The heifer trade is similar to bullocks. Heavy types have seen a slightly easier trade, with demand starting to reduce slightly. In some sales, top-quality heavy heifers are still selling to over €1,400/head, but the number of these on offer is reducing. Forward store heifers over 500kg are selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg. Average prices have dropped by 9c/kg, but this is mainly due to increased numbers of plainer types on offer. The average 450kg heifer is selling for €900/head.
Weanlings
The trade for weanlings is holding better than store cattle. Mart managers, particularly in the west and midlands, are saying that there has been no slip in the quality on offer thus far and demand is strong. However, the gap between the top and bottom weanlings has widened a little, as plainer weanlings are a slightly slower sell than the last week or two. The average 350kg bull is making just shy of €800, while the equivalent heifer is making €60 to €70 less than a bull. Light plain weanlings and dairy-cross types are a harder trade.
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Camera at the mart: strong demand for quality weanlings at Milford
Camera at the mart: quality and prices holding well at Balla
Camera at the mart: steady trade for fleshed lambs and forward stores
Camera at the mart: strong trade for heifers in milk at Ballymena Mart
Beef prices steady as cattle kill increases
Mart numbers are still running higher than the same time last year, with many mart managers commenting that the relatively good autumn has led to farmers selling cattle later than previous years.
With ground conditions still relatively good, the usual burst of numbers coinciding with heavy rainfall has not happened thus far, which has helped prices stay reasonably steady.
However, in the past week, demand has started to reduce, with buyers’ orders starting to fill up right across the country.
This is leading to a slight slippage in the average prices recorded in the MartWatch system.
However, in all parts of the country, the prices paid for better-quality cattle are holding firm, resulting in a further widening in the gap between top- and bottom-quality cattle.
Another issue which will start to affect the trade to a greater extent in the coming weeks is the quality of cattle on offer. At this stage, the proportion of plainer-quality cattle in sales increases, which will have an effect on average prices.
Steers
Heavy bullocks have been a little easier in recent days, with demand starting to reduce. The best-quality types over 600kg are still selling from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg, but demand for plainer and overage bullocks has eased by up to €40/head in some areas. The average 550kg bullock is selling for just under €2.00/kg, with the top third selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg. Where Angus and Herefords are on offer, prices are ranging mainly from €1.70/kg to €1.90/kg, depending on quality.
Heifers
The heifer trade is similar to bullocks. Heavy types have seen a slightly easier trade, with demand starting to reduce slightly. In some sales, top-quality heavy heifers are still selling to over €1,400/head, but the number of these on offer is reducing. Forward store heifers over 500kg are selling mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg. Average prices have dropped by 9c/kg, but this is mainly due to increased numbers of plainer types on offer. The average 450kg heifer is selling for €900/head.
Weanlings
The trade for weanlings is holding better than store cattle. Mart managers, particularly in the west and midlands, are saying that there has been no slip in the quality on offer thus far and demand is strong. However, the gap between the top and bottom weanlings has widened a little, as plainer weanlings are a slightly slower sell than the last week or two. The average 350kg bull is making just shy of €800, while the equivalent heifer is making €60 to €70 less than a bull. Light plain weanlings and dairy-cross types are a harder trade.
Read more
Camera at the mart: strong demand for quality weanlings at Milford
Camera at the mart: quality and prices holding well at Balla
Camera at the mart: steady trade for fleshed lambs and forward stores
Camera at the mart: strong trade for heifers in milk at Ballymena Mart
Beef prices steady as cattle kill increases
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