Poor demand and falling prices for over-age cattle
Some factories did not quote for over age cattle for this week and told producers that they were not interested in buying the over 30 months animals because of the weak market situation and those taking the older stock reduced prices by a further 1p/lb.
Producers who did not avail of the sparkle in the trade two weeks ago to take 82p/lb for R grade over 30 months stock were not feeling very happy yesterday being offered 5p/lb less in a "take it or leave it" approach with plenty of supplies on offer to the factories.
The factories complained that Russian market have weakened and outlets for the older cattle are not capable of taking large supplies even at poor prices, as the reason behind a drop to 77p-75p/lb on offer for R/O grade.
There appears to be still plenty of the older cattle on farms and some very poorly finished animals were offered to factories last week, which they are now clamping down on accepting, making a difficult situation for the older stock even worse. At the Annual Sheep Fatstock Show and Sale at Midleton Mart yesterday the top price of 225 was paid for a 51kg lamb winner of the over 45kg Short Wool class, exhibited by John Ryan, Madame, Ballinascarta, Clonakilty, and purchased by Crowley Meats, Ballincollig.
Mr Ryan scored a double when his 44kg lamb winner of the class for short wool lambs under 45 kg sold to O'Farrell Meats, Midleton for 145.
A 53kg lamb exhibited by O. O'Sullivan, Knockskeagh, Leap sold to K. Day, Whitegate for 118.
The show winners were - Lambs over 45kg - Long Wool - 1. James Tait, Ballyvaloon, Whitegate. 2. James Tait. 3. John Tait, Inch Glebe, Whitegate.
Lambs over 45kg - Short Wool - 1. John Ryan, Madame, Ballinascarta. 2. O. O'Sullivan, Knockskeagh, Leap. 3. John Ryan.
Lambs under 45kg - Short Wool - John Ryan, Madame, Ballinascarta, Clonakilty. 2. James Tait, Ballyvaloon, Whitegate. 3. James Tait.
