Despite the difficulties currently affecting the beef trade, strong farmer and exporter demand has led to weanling prices in recent weeks running ahead of the same time last year. Analysis of MartWatch figures shows that the average price paid for a 350kg weanling bull over the past six weeks is running €13/head above the same period in 2018.

However, it should be noted that in 2018 were depressed as a result of fodder shortages and the lack of an export market at that time.

Export activity

Strong export activity in recent weeks has boosted weanling prices, in particular the price paid for light bulls from 200kg to 300kg.

Mart managers say that this strong export demand is keeping a floor under what would be a difficult autumn trade. One exception to this is the average price paid to farmers specialising in producing good-quality heavy feeding bulls.

Farmers who sell heavy autumn-born bulls over 430kg which are suitable for finishing have seen prices drop by 20c-30c/kg on the price paid in the same period in 2018. This translates to a reduction of over €150/head.

2017 comparison

When prices over the past six weeks are compared with the same period in 2017, the average 350kg weanling bull is back by €52/head.

Light weanling bulls from 200kg to 300kg are up by over €40/head on the same period last year, but lag €35/head behind the same period in 2017.

Weanling heifers from 200kg to 300kg are €14/head above the same period in 2018, but lag €56/head behind 2017 levels. Weanling heifers from 300kg to 400kg are on par with 2018 levels, but lag €81/head behind the same period in 2017.