Heavy heifers back by over €70 per head in two weeks

THE mart trade last week was dominated by increased farmer demand. The heifer trade was improved, but bullock prices were mixed.

This week’s figures show heifers recovered from their dip of two weeks ago, with positive movement across all divisions from 350kgs to 599kgs.

However, the 600kg+ heifer dropped another 4c/kg last week to add to the 8c/kg she lost two weeks ago meaning she has shed 12c/kg or €72/hd in those two weeks.

I wonder if she will bounce a bit this week given that factory interest continues strong at base prices from €3.90-3.95/kg.

The average increase below 600kgs is from 3-4c/kg or from €15-20/hd, with best performer being the top quarter of the 350-399kg section which rose 7c/kg or €24-28/ hd. This leaves the average for that better heifer at €2.51/ kg, with the average for the better continental at this weight a stronger €2.57/kg or €900-1025/hd.

The increase in price in the 400-499kg division is 4c/kg for both the overall average and the average of the better continental which translates into €888-1,108 verses €9921237/hd. Good and all as these prices are they are still €200/ hd less than those paid by that English butcher at Elphin last week who whipped off 40 heifers for grazing to England from their show and sale at an average of €1,0001,050 over the €/kg. Which is my way of saying that the English market, Brexit or no Brexit, isn’t all about Tescos or Sainsburys, or the ABP or the Dawns of this world.

The bullock trade was mixed last week, with poorer animals below 500kgs taking a 5c/kg hit. In contrast, the better animal rose by 3-4c/ kg or by €9-20/hd, as buyers, despite generally small sales, stuck to buying quality over numbers.

Moving up to the forward and beef bullock from 500-600kgs+, trade here strengthened slightly with the 500-599kg bullock’s average up 3c/kg, while the better one was up 5c/kg or €25-30/hd.

The increase in the 600kg+ section is restricted to a modest 1c/kg in the top quarter, with the poorer animal easier by 3c/kg or €18/hd.

Weanling prices rose on average across the majority of weights, with only the 400600kg bull showing a modest 1c/kg decline as buyers moved to restock.

The biggest mover was the 100-299/kg bull which saw prices rise €11-33/hd or 11c/ kg, with the bottom quarter here rising 18c/kg or from €18-54/hd. However, mart managers report renewed interest in those heavier 400600kg bulls following their fall of €48/hd or 8c/kg two weeks ago.