The differential in prices paid for the top third and bottom third of weanlings has widened in 2019, according to an Irish Farmers Journal Martwatch analysis.

This reflects farmers’ preference for buying better quality cattle that are easier to sell as stores and can make better grades at the factory.

For light weanling bulls under 300kg, the price difference between the top one-third of bulls and the bottom one-third rose to €1.09/kg or €273/head for 250kg. This widened further to €312/hd for heavier bulls of 300kg to 400kg.

In light heifers under 300kg, the price differential was €1.01/kg between the top and bottom thirds, or €253/head for 250kg. The differential was even bigger for heavier heifers, at €1.01/kg or €354/head.

The difference in prices paid for the top third and bottom thirds of store cattle is much less on a price-per-kilo basis. For example, the differential for store bullocks of 400kg to 500kg was 70c/kg or €315/head.

The Irish Farmers Journal analysis shows that the prices paid in the first half of this year for weanlings and stores were lower than any of the last five years.

Over the first half of 2019, the average 300kg weanling heifer sold for €710/head, back by €3/head on last year. The average 350kg weanling bull sold for €792/head in the first half of this year, back by €36/head.

See this week's Focus for more.