Steady prices at smaller sales

Marts: Prices were maintained at smaller sales of cattle at marts yesterday as farmers took time off to attend the National Ploughing Championships at Tullow, Co Carlow.

Factory buyers continued to be active around the ringsides in search of beef cattle, the supply of which appears to be showing early signs of decline, while demand for beef remains very strong.

There was a smaller sale at Bandon Mart where trade was unchanged for bullocks and heifers, with an “excellent” trade for cows. Up to €360 over was paid for heavy bullocks, while lighter stores peaked at €280 over.

Friesian type bullocks continue a weaker trade with prices ranging €40-€200 over. At the upper end of the price scale a Belgian Blue bullock 665 kgs sold for €1,030. Nine Charolais 475 kgs made €755, two Friesians 607 kgs sold for €800, three Friesians 511 kgs made €665, three Herefords 398 kgs sold for €645 and two Angus 325 kgs made €475.

Heavy heifers ranged €150-€215 over, best continentals up to €250 over, and Hereford and Angus ranged €70-€140 over. Dry cows sold for up to €130 over.

There was 800 head on offer at Kilkenny. Bullocks over 500 kgs ranged €270-€480 over with lighter animals ranging €180-€370 over. A Charolais 728 kgs sold for €1,140, a Simmental 682 kgs made €1,125, four Charolais 583 kgs sold for €1,060 and another four Charolais 569 kgs sold for €1,050. Heavy heifers ranged €250-€475 while stores sold at €180-€295.

Beef bullocks sold at €220-€450 over at Blessington Mart where stores ranged €180-€340 over. Trade was “very strong” for all types of bullocks and heifers. Beef heifers sold at €250-€340 over and stores made €195-€315 over.