Lower beef cattle prices aid trading

Trade for beef cattle was easier as the lower prices at the factories was passed down the line at yesterday’s mart sales.

Trade for stores varied from similar to last week to a tougher trade at some locations.

In general, the number of cattle on offer were slightly lower but there was a good attendance of farmer buyers with interest in cattle at a price.

There was a slightly smaller sale at Bandon Mart and a good trade. Heavy bullocks sold for up to €270 over, lighter lots making €120-€255 over. One Hereford 650kg sold for €890, a Friesian 725kg made €960, a lot of seven Friesians 673kg fetched €860, five Simmentals 515kg sold for €760, and seven Herefords 433kg €685.

There was a very good trade for quality heifers. Four Charolais 530kg sold for €750, two Herefords 457kg made €705, and a Belgian Blue 385kg sold for €565.

At Ennis Mart there was a tougher trade for 440 head on offer with prices back up to €25/head. The drop in demand and prices was most noticeable for beef animals. Nevertheless an exception price of €1,235 was paid for a 746kg Black Limousin bullock. A Charolais 592kg sold for €1,020, a Limousin 602kg sold for €1,000, four Charolais 679kg sold for €1,008, and two Herefords 700kg made €1,000. Up to €370 over was paid for quality heifers with prices ranging back to €150 over. Two Charolais 558kg made €840, a black Limousin 508kg made €805 and a Belgian Blue 480kg made €850.

At Kilkenny Mart buyers were more plentiful and trade was livelier with quality bullocks selling well and a good trade for heifers.

Trade at Blessington mart was unchanged. Forward bullocks made up to €280 over and heavy heifers up to €200 over.