The mart trade has continued in a steady fashion, with numbers rising, but demand is matching supply.

The wetter weather is having a slight impact on average prices, but it’s only very slight.

Average prices are running well behind the same time last year, with stores back by about €50 to €70/head.

The number of cows on offer has decreased further, but demand is said to be quite strong, with some buyers now sourcing for grass.

The average Friesian cow in the south is making about €70 to €120 along with the weight where she is carrying a little flesh.

Continentals are selling mainly from €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg for forward store types.

In-calf continentals are being met with strong demand once quality on offer is good.

The main demand is for four- and five-star heifers with good weight for age and a good-sized frame.

These are selling mainly from €1,400 to €1,600/head and up to €1,900/head in special sales. Calved Friesian heifers are being met with strong demand at clearance and special sales also.

Steers

Quality short-keep bullocks are a good trade, although prices are back on the same time last year. R+ and U grades over 600kg are selling mainly from €2.15/kg to €2.35/kg, which is back about 15c to 20c/kg on last year. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg saw prices hold firm to slightly improved on last week. The average R grade 550kg steer is selling for €1,170. U grades are from €1,300 to €1,400/head. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg are being met with good farmer demand and are a steady trade despite larger numbers.

Heifers

The heifer trade is quite firm, although demand for plainer types has eased slightly in the last week, with wet weather and Brexit dampening the mood. Heifers over 600kg sold for around €2.00/kg, with U grades from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg depending on quality. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg are back about €20/head on last week, but this is mainly driven by a reduction in the quality on offer. U grade heifers have seen prices hold reasonably well at €2.35/kg to €2.40/kg. The average 450kg heifer is selling for €2.20/kg.

Weanlings

The weather has dampened the weanling trade slightly. In most cases, sellers are still quite satisfied with prices being received. Heavy feeding bulls are probably the worst trade, with specialist feeders paying up to €100/head less this year due to the lower beef prices. The average 350kg bull is making €780, with heifers making €810/head. Better-quality types are selling easily for over €900/head. Lighter bulls and heifers under 300kg are still quite a good trade, considering the low exporter activity and more difficult beef trade.

Read more

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