Increase in prices for quality stores

There was a sharper tone to the trade for store cattle — both bullocks and heifers — at the marts where prices for the quality stores were stronger by up to €25/head yesterday.

A bigger turnout of farmers anxious for cattle, leading to more competition for the smaller entries at the sales, appeared to be the underlying reason for the higher prices, which reversed the trend of recent weeks.

In the bullock rings, demand seemed to be pitched at the 400-550kg stores for which there was strong demand for the quality animals in particular. At Kilkenny Mart up to €430 over €/kg was paid for the bullocks in this category, at Blessington Mart up to €420 over and at Bandon up to €285 over — mostly the medium weight range on offer.