Numbers have continued to drop across the country. However, several mart managers have commented that although numbers are dropping, marts have experienced higher throughputs of cattle through late April and May, meaning that the overall supply has almost caught up on last year, despite the poor weather conditions of the spring.

In terms of prices, the buoyant beef trade and solid weanling demand, driven by increased exporter activity, continue to be positives.

With warmer weather and much-improved grass growth in recent weeks, there are more farmer buyers present at marts and they are actively sourcing stock for grass.

Those who have not purchased cattle and have applied for the ANC payment must have stock on the farm for seven consecutive months and fulfil the minimum stocking requirements to be eligible for payment. The cull cow trade continues to perform well, but the number of cows on offer has dropped also.

Steers

Demand for all short-keep and slaughter-fit stock is brisk, with the numbers on offer running very tight. The average 600kg bullock is making €2.20/kg, with U grades freely selling from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg or from €1,500 to €1,650/head. Lighter store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg were a slightly improved trade, with plenty of farmer buyers still active at marts. Prices of these are ranging mainly from €920 to €1,150/head. Forward store bullocks have seen prices hold firm on last week.

Heifers

In some areas, the heifer trade has improved slightly, with more farmers active at the ring. Those over 600kg are very scarce and there are reports of forward stores and light stores becoming less plentiful also. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg are selling mainly from €2.25kg to €2.35/kg, with U grades making well over €2.60/kg. Those from 400kg to 500kg have been a solid trade, selling from €950 to €1,100 for average-quality types. Angus and Herefords are selling from €1.90/kg to €2.20/kg, depending on quality.

Weanlings

Exporters continue to place a firm floor under light bulls, while stronger bulls and heifers are being snapped up mainly by farmer buyers. Those from 300kg to 400kg are selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg and up to €2.50/kg in stronger suckler areas. Top-quality bulls are selling for over €3.10/kg also. Heifer prices are on par with weanling bulls for average-quality types, with the top third making from €2.60/kg to €2.80/kg. Light bull prices have held firm and are running 10c to 13c/kg above the equivalent heifer.

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