Over the past few weeks, with the strengthening of the store cattle trade, some prices being paid for Hereford and Angus stores seem to be improving as the weeks go on.

With some finishers aiming to target the breed bonus at slaughter, it seems to be leaving the sought-after cattle with this breeding that fall into the 400-550kg bracket, a little more expensive.

Taking last Wednesday's sale at Cootehill Mart as an example; although a relatively smaller sale than other marts around the country, very few Hereford or Angus bullocks or heifers were selling under the €2.00/kg mark.

Prices are reaching up to and over €2.30/kg for these Hereford and Angus stores (over 400kg).

Looking at the dry cow trade, prices paid are more of less similar to what has been seen in previous weeks. There is a continuation of healthy competition between northern clients and agents for heavy cows.

The quality continentals cows are ranging from prices of €1.70-2.10/kg.

Meanwhile there is a good selection of finishers digging in to buy Friesian store cows for grass, leaving prices that bit firmer for cows with suitable frames.

Prices for Friesian-bred cows with good structure are ranging from €1.20/kg up to €1.60/kg.

This week Agriland takes a look at the recent sale of cattle at Castlerea, Baltinglass and Kilrush Marts.

There was over 700 cattle on offer at the sale at Castlerea Mart last Thursday (April 8).

Commenting on the trade, manager Brendan Egan stated that prices were "holding firm" as demand for stock remains very strong.

Adding to this, he stated: "The heifer ring had a very good clearance with the top lots reaching €3.47/kg - while the breeding heifers are also in strong demand.

"The dry cow trade reported a good clearance also, with prices and demand similar to previous weeks.

"We had increased numbers of cows with calves at foot with prices peaking at €1,870 while the calf ring noticed good demand also this week."

Cows with calves at foot made from €1,060/head to €1,870/head. Meanwhile, springers made from €1,020/head to €1,480/head.

There was 180 bullocks on offer last Monday (April 5) in Castlerea, as Brendan stated that bullocks made up to €970 over their weight. He also mentioned that the demand for all categories was strong on the day.

Tom Coleman, manager of Baltinglass Mart, reported a larger entry of cattle on Wednesday (April 7) with there being a "super trade" for all types of cattle.

"Fat cows were an extremely good trade with a top price of €1,560 for a 800kg [or €1.95/kg] Limousin cow.

In the cull cow trade, Tom stated that fat cows made from €850 - €1,560/head. Cows with calves at foot made from €1,000 - €1,500/head.

There was a big sale reported at Kilrush Mart last Wednesday (April 7). The manager of Clare Marts, Martin McNamara stated that there was a larger than expected entry of cull cows.

Cull cow prices were peaked at €2.03/kg for a Hereford cow weighing 620kg. The lighter store heifer prices (under 400kg) were topped at €2.63/kg - with light store bullocks selling up to a stronger price of €2.77/kg.

Speaking about the calf trade, Martin stated that the calves on offer met a really strong trade. He said:

"Friesian heifer calves reached €410/head - with only one Friesian bull calf made €110/head. There was a strong entry of Hereford and Angus calves.

"Herefords made from €150/head to €315/head. Angus calves made up to €185/head. Continental calves made up to €395/head," Martin concluded.