Beef
Calf trade: There is impact seen in price over the past week in marts, in fact the prices for some classes of beef calves received a boost.
With the strengthening of the store cattle trade, some prices being paid for some Hereford and Angus stores are improving as the weeks go on.
While some marts have closed their doors until further notice, others continue to hold their weekly cattle sales.
Mart mangers have noted that there has been a marked decrease in the number of cattle presented for sale in recent days.
Where good-quality, short-keep cows have been presented for sale, these lots have met an increased demand.
Over the past week, mart managers have noted that poorer-quality cattle have become a harder sell, while quality stock are still in demand.
Many mart managers have noted that the number of cattle being presented for these final sales of 2018 was reduced compared to previous weeks.
Over the past week, mart managers have reported larger cattle sales taking place across the country.
Competition among buyers for quality stock drove the cattle trade and mart managers have reported good clearance rates right across the board.
Mart managers have reported good clearances in recent days; both farmers and agents have been busy sourcing cattle.
Farmers, feedlot buyers and exporters have made their presence felt at the ringside; weanlings and cows are still particularly in demand
Farmers, feedlot buyers and exporters have made their presence felt at the ringside; forward store cattle are still particularly in demand.
The smaller entries of cattle have, in some places, led to better clearances and higher prices.
Kilrush Mart, Co. Clare, held its cattle show and sale on Wednesday, February 21. Prizes were offered for cows, heifers and bullocks.
Mart managers have reported increased activity around the ring in recent days and farmers and agents have battled it out for stock.
In the past week, mart managers have reported smaller sales taking place across the country.
As the end of the year approaches, numbers witnessed at cattle marts across the country are on the decline.
In recent days, mart managers have reported an increase in the number of cull cows passing through the sale rings in marts across the country.
Despite a high level of throughput over recent days, exporters have remained busy sourcing continental cattle for the Turkish and Italian markets.
Cattle marts across the country have all reported good clearances this week. Again, large numbers were recorded at various venues nationwide.
