Firm trade but fewer buying

Marts: The live trade was unchanged at the marts where larger numbers of cattle were on offer at yesterday’s sales.

There were fewer farmer buyers at some of the sales for the medium and light weight store bullocks. This is reflective of the tight supply of feed on many farms which along with the increasing cost of bought-in feed is leading farmers to carefully measure feed supply and stock levels.

Certainly there was no indication of any easing in the demand for the forward bullocks and heifers or the prices being paid for the heavy stock with up to €500 over €/kg at yesterday’s marts.