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.