For the most part, the mart trade has continued to be quite firm, with good demand for all types of stock.
Farmer demand is the main driving force behind prices, driven by good grass growth rates in the majority of areas.
Factory agents are particularly active for slaughter-fit cattle and cows.
With continued beef price pressure, farmers should consider that the prices being paid currently for slaughter-fit cows and some cattle in marts is ahead of what is on offer for farmers sending small numbers direct to slaughter in the factories. It is vital that you do the sums carefully before deciding which avenue to take.
Store cattle from 500kg to 550kg have seen prices weaken slightly in the past week at some marts, with farmer buyers a little more wary of beef price trends into the autumn.
The quality of cattle on offer is having an impact on average prices in the marts also, with a greater proportion of plainer-quality cattle making up the sales in some areas.
Steers
The bullock trade is steady in the main part, although some mart managers have commented that forward store bullocks are a little easier. Slaughter-fit types are still being snapped up by finishers and factory agents, but the numbers on offer is low. Bullocks over 600kg are selling for €1.90/kg on average, with prices averaging €2.10/kg in stronger suckler areas. U grade bullocks in the same weight range are selling for over €2.15/kg. Forward stores are steady, with prices ranging mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg.
Heifers
The heifer trade is a little weaker, due mainly to increased numbers of plainer cattle on offer. Heavy heifers over 600kg are low in numbers, but where on offer they are a firm trade. The average 600kg heifer is making €1,236/head, while U grades are making €1,344/head. Stores from 500kg to 600kg have seen prices ease by about €20/head and the average 550kg heifer is selling for €100/head less than the same time last year. Farmer demand for lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg is better than heavier types.
Weanlings
The weanling trade has seen prices ease also, but, again, this is mainly quality driven. The number of weanlings on offer is small, but where top-quality types are on offer, prices are firm. The top third of bulls from 300kg to 400kg are selling from €750 to €1,000/head. Weanling heifers are selling for about 7c to 10c/kg more than the equivalent bull. Forward bulls from 400kg upwards are still being met with good feedlot demand, but prices are ranging mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for R+ and U grades.
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Camera at the Mart: numbers smaller but demand improved at Kingscourt
Camera at the Mart: lamb trade steady but cull ewes a little easier at Portumna
Fleshed cattle and cows a flying trade in New Ross
Camera at the Mart: sharper edge for stores at Markethill Mart
Northern view: further price cuts in beef trade; lambs holding firm
For the most part, the mart trade has continued to be quite firm, with good demand for all types of stock.
Farmer demand is the main driving force behind prices, driven by good grass growth rates in the majority of areas.
Factory agents are particularly active for slaughter-fit cattle and cows.
With continued beef price pressure, farmers should consider that the prices being paid currently for slaughter-fit cows and some cattle in marts is ahead of what is on offer for farmers sending small numbers direct to slaughter in the factories. It is vital that you do the sums carefully before deciding which avenue to take.
Store cattle from 500kg to 550kg have seen prices weaken slightly in the past week at some marts, with farmer buyers a little more wary of beef price trends into the autumn.
The quality of cattle on offer is having an impact on average prices in the marts also, with a greater proportion of plainer-quality cattle making up the sales in some areas.
Steers
The bullock trade is steady in the main part, although some mart managers have commented that forward store bullocks are a little easier. Slaughter-fit types are still being snapped up by finishers and factory agents, but the numbers on offer is low. Bullocks over 600kg are selling for €1.90/kg on average, with prices averaging €2.10/kg in stronger suckler areas. U grade bullocks in the same weight range are selling for over €2.15/kg. Forward stores are steady, with prices ranging mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg.
Heifers
The heifer trade is a little weaker, due mainly to increased numbers of plainer cattle on offer. Heavy heifers over 600kg are low in numbers, but where on offer they are a firm trade. The average 600kg heifer is making €1,236/head, while U grades are making €1,344/head. Stores from 500kg to 600kg have seen prices ease by about €20/head and the average 550kg heifer is selling for €100/head less than the same time last year. Farmer demand for lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg is better than heavier types.
Weanlings
The weanling trade has seen prices ease also, but, again, this is mainly quality driven. The number of weanlings on offer is small, but where top-quality types are on offer, prices are firm. The top third of bulls from 300kg to 400kg are selling from €750 to €1,000/head. Weanling heifers are selling for about 7c to 10c/kg more than the equivalent bull. Forward bulls from 400kg upwards are still being met with good feedlot demand, but prices are ranging mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for R+ and U grades.
Read more
Camera at the Mart: numbers smaller but demand improved at Kingscourt
Camera at the Mart: lamb trade steady but cull ewes a little easier at Portumna
Fleshed cattle and cows a flying trade in New Ross
Camera at the Mart: sharper edge for stores at Markethill Mart
Northern view: further price cuts in beef trade; lambs holding firm
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