Strong trade for quality heifers

There was a strong trade for the quality fleshy heifers at Fermoy Mart yesterday, where the bullocks met with a steady trade at slightly stronger prices than last week.

With 1,000 head on offer numbers are continuing to hold strong and there are plenty of buyers to effect a good clearance at prices are still positive for the quality animals.

Beef bullocks sold for up to €305 over, but the strongest trade was for the medium weight stores with the best of the continentals making up to €345 over. The plainer lots of medium and light stores sold back to €70 over.

Up to €338 over was paid for the heavy heifers — prices ranging back to €130 over — and stores ranged €100 over to €268 over.

Bullocks and heifers were a slightly easier trade at Kilmallock where the trade for good dry cows was improved by up to €30/head. Forward and medium-weight range bullocks sold for €200 over to €350 over. Forward heifers made up to €300 over and stores ranged up to €260 over.

At Kanturk the heavy bullocks were unchanged from last week selling for up to €265 over. Most of the stores were back on last week by €20-€30/ head, to range €145 over to €240 over. Up to €240 over was paid for the heavy heifers — prices ranging back to €150 over. Store heifers were improved by €20-€30/head at up to €260 over with prices ranging back to €140 over.

At Dungarvan there was a steady trade for a smaller entry of cattle with prices holding up well in particular for the quality lots. Forward bullocks ranged up to €350 over. Stores in the weight range 400-55kg sold for €200 over to €330 over, while the lighter store bullocks ranged €100 over to €230 over.

Up to €260 over was paid for the heavy heifers. Stores made €100 over to €170 over €/kg. Prices for both bullocks and heifers were well improved at Skibbereen Mart. Heavy bullocks ranged €190-€398 over and stores €173-€363 over. Heavy heifers made up to €365 over.