Bigger cattle turnout improves prices

Marts: There was a bigger turnout of cattle which met with a stronger trade and improved prices at yesterday’s mart sales.

Demand was described as brisk for beef and forward bullocks and heifers with factory agents active at the sales which confirms the strong demand at the factories for stronger supplies of cattle.

Prices were improved by up to €40/head for beef heifers which were an excellent trade while the heavy bullocks showed gains of up to €30/head.

There was a bigger sale at Bandon Mart where demand was strong for the quality cattle. Heavy bullocks sold for up to €320 over €/kg while prices for lighter lots ranged €50 — €280 over. A lot of four Charolais sold for €960, two Limousin 600 kgs made €880, four 603 kgs Angus sold for €810, and four Friesians 432 kgs made €480.

Heifers ranged €90-€285 over. A Charolais 410 kgs sold for €695, four Angus 287 kgs sold for €480, a Hereford 470 kgs sold for €620, and two Charolais 415 kgs made €675.

There was €950 head on offer at Ennis where the trade for beef type cattle and forward stores was “very strong” both in the bullock and heifer rings.

Heifer prices were equally strong. They ranged €160 — €530 over. Two Charolais 6154 kgs sold for €1,050, a black Limousin 500 kgs fetched €895, and a Limousin 428 kgs sold for €960.

There was an “excellent” trade for an entry of 640 head at Kilkenny Mart. Bullock prices were improved by €20 — €30/head, while heifers made gains of €30 — €40/head in an excellent trade for quality lots. Prices for heavy bullocks ranged €270 — €470 over, bullocks in the 400-500 kg range selling at €220 — €380, while lighter stores ranged €180 — €380. Up to €420 over was paid for beef heifers.