Analysis of the MartBids Database shows a 30% increase in the number of cattle offered for sale this week compared with the previous seven days.
However, this is from a relatively low base, as sales throughout January had been quite small.
When this is the case, individual sales can have a greater effect on the overall weekly price trends.
Last week saw a specialist bullock fatstock sale bolster steer prices, particularly in the heavier weight bands.
Overall, prices for steers and heifers remain strong
As a result, this week we see the flip of this, with steer prices easing slightly, while a number of specialist heifer fatstock sales over the past seven days sees heifer prices rise almost across the board.
Dry cows are fed ad-lib baled silage on the Wallace farm.
Stephen and Hazel Wallace are aiming to strike a balance between driving milk output from silage and concentrates, while feeding cows as efficiently as possible.
The 210-cow Holstein herd has a mainly autumn calving profile. There are 150 cows calved down so far and calving is due to be finished by the end of February. Last year, average milk yield was 7,710l from 2.5t of concentrates.
Local animal nutritionist Lyle Hamilton has developed the winter feed plan for all livestock groups on the farm located near Seaforde, Co Down.
The milking herd is on a total mixed ration of 19kg first-cut silage, 19kg third-cut silage and 7kg of blend. This diet is formulated to support maintenance plus 23l, with cows then fed to yield through in-parlour feeders.