The trade overall has been quite good, with prices of nearly all cattle holding firm. In some cases, strong demand has meant that prices have edged upwards for some better-quality bullocks and heifers, with weanling bull prices recovering to where they were a few weeks ago. In addition, there have been some special fatstock sales where the quality of cattle on offer has been very high, resulting in higher than average prices.

Farmer buyers and finishers are the main drivers of the trade for all store and short-keep feeding cattle.

The best prices continue to be paid for better-quality Charolais, Limousin and Belgian Blue cattle, with traditional breeds remaining a slower sell.

Steer

Good-quality forward store bullocks continue to hold firm, with little changes being reported on the average prices paid. Average bullocks over 600kg are selling from €1,150 to €1,300, while top-quality types are making over €1,400/head. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg are steady, selling from twice their weight or from €550 to €650 over. Light store bullocks are a firm trade and prices have increased slightly, with the average 450kg bullock selling at €920 and for €1,000 in stronger suckler areas.

Heifers

The heifer trade has been firm to slightly improved, with prices edging upwards just slightly. Mart managers are reporting a little more bite in the trade for good-quality cattle in some areas. Heavy and short-keep heifers over 600kg sold from €2.15/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types or from €1,250 to €1,380/head. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg sold from €1,100 to €1,200 with Angus- and Hereford-crosses making from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg. Light store heifers are a steady trade backed by strong farmer demand.

Weanlings

The weanling trade has rebounded from last week’s low. The quality of stock on offer has been said to have improved in several areas, which is driving the steadying of prices at a higher base. Heavy feeding bulls over 450kg continue to be met with strong demand from specialist feeders. Farmers are driving the trade for all good-quality 300kg to 400kg bulls, with prices averaging at €805 for 350kg. Top-quality bulls are still selling from €950 to €1,000/head, with good Charolais bulls hard bet in terms of prices and demand.

Lambs sell to €175 in Raphoe fatstock

Flying trade at Skibbereen fatstock show and sale

Strong trade for quality cattle continues as numbers drop

The past week has seen slightly smaller sales in many areas of the country. However, some mart managers are reporting that numbers are still continuing quite strong.