Easier tone in store trade

Marts: The buoyancy which gripped the cattle trade earlier in the week was short lived, with a quieter tone to yesterday’s mart sales. Strong supplies were on offer at all centres.

With the exception of forward cattle for which trade remained firm, prices for other classes were at best unchanged from last week and for some lots tended easier. There was less demand from farmers and Northern Ireland buyers were not as active at the ringsides.

At Bandon Mart, trade was strong for forward bullocks, which sold for €220-€390 over €/kg. Lighter stores ranged €180-€330, with prices for Friesian from €80 over. Forward heifers met with strong demand, with an exception price of €425 over paid for a 365kg Charolais sold for €790. Heavy heifers ranged up to €270 over and stores made €100-€200 over.