Mart managers have commented once again on the strong demand for all types of forward cows in marts.

Agents and feeders have upped the ante in terms of demand for short-keep cows, typically those which are suitable for slaughter in the next month or so. In terms of prices, they are up about €150/head in the last month or so.

The average 650kg short-keep Friesian cow is selling from €900 to €950 in many areas, with continentals making from €350 to €450 along with the weight.

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At the very top of the trade, top-quality heavy cow heifers are selling for up to €2.00/kg, with the majority of forward feeding cows selling from €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg.

The calf trade has strengthened a little once again, but this is due mainly to lower supplies being met with strong demand.

There are good numbers of weaned and close-to-weaned calves on offer in some areas.

Where Angus and Heredfords are on offer, prices of €280 to €370 are common, with some making up to €400/head.

Steers

MartWatch figures show that prices have eased across the country. This is mainly due to a decrease in the proportion of top-quality cattle on offer, with more of a dairy influence creeping into marts in recent weeks. Forward bullocks over 600kg are reasonably firm where good-quality continentals are on offer. Feeders are anxious for any good feeding cattle suitable for a short keep. In some cases, they are paying over and above what is on offer in factories. The average 450kg store bullock is selling mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg.

Heifers

The heifer trade is strong and steady, with mart managers saying there is little change on last week. As the case with bullocks, the best prices are for forward stores and stores over 500kg. Heifers in this weight range are selling from €2.10/kg to €2.35/kg, with Angus and Herefords selling from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg. Light store heifers from 400kg to 500kg are a steady trade, but there are more plainer types coming out in this weight range also. Prices are ranging mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg.

Weanlings

The weanling trade is reasonably steady where good-quality types are on offer. However, there are increased numbers of plainer types on offer at sales, which are affecting average prices in the MartWatch system. Top-quality weanling heifers from 300kg to 400kg are still selling from €850 to €950, with some selling for up to €1,000/head. Plainer types in the same weight range are selling from €780 to €820/head. Light bulls and heifers are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg, with the top third making from €2.70/kg to €2.80/kg.