The trade for autumn-born weanlings is well ahead of 2019.

Prices for quality continental bull and heifer weanlings are running 15c/kg to 25c/kg higher on average or from €50 to €90 higher on a 350kg weanling.

Increased confidence has store cattle prices running anywhere from 8c/kg to 15c/kg higher. This equates to a €40 to €75 higher return on a 500kg bullock or heifer.

While beef prices are running just 5c/kg ahead of the same period in 2019, there is strong demand among factory agents, pushing steer and heifer base quotes to €3.70/kg to €3.75/kg. There is also a far greater appetite for bulls and cattle previously deemed out-of-spec.

Northern buyers, the imminent €50m beef fund and firm interest from Turkish buyers are all resulting in solid trade.