Weather affects mart entries

The weather took a heavy toll on the number of cattle on offer at the marts yesterday, but the trade for the stock offered by those sellers who braved the harsh elements remained very firm for all classes.

There was no weakening in demand for the cattle on offer and quality bullocks made gains of up to €15/head for both beef animals and stores.

Although the weather did not deliver the extremity which had been forecast for many areas of the country, farmers who had cancelled their plans to bring out cattle led to a drop of between one-third and a half on numbers offered last week.

Bandon Mart was typical of sales, with fewer cattle on offer. Trade was similar to the previous week for cattle on offer with strong demand for bullocks and heifers and an excellent trade for cull cows.

Forward bullocks ranged €170 over to€ 250 over and lighter lots sold at €150 - €250 over. There was a small entry of heifers. Heavy heifers made €180 - €250 over /kg. Continental stores sold for up to €220. The dry cows sold for up to 90 over.

Kilkenny Mart had 380 head on offer with a good trade for all classes and quality beef and store bullocks improved by up to €15/head.

The heavy bullocks made up to €460 over, forward lots making €220 - €440 over and the light stores ranging €220 - €320 over.

Four Charolais 631kg sold for €1,035, a Belgian Blue 606kg made €1,070, a Limousin 616kg sold for €1,055, seven Limousin 518kg sold for €910, and to Simmentals 304kg made €610.

Up to €430 over was paid for the best of the beef heifers. Store heifers ranged €220 - €310 over. A Limousin 528kg made €770, a Charolais 694kg made €1,080.

Across the country in Blessington the beef bullocks sold for up to €465 over. Forward lots ranged €215 - €420 over and the light store bullocks sold at €160 - €320 over. The beef heifers were an excellent trade at up to €360 over while stores ranged €170 - €275 over.