Producers optimistic on beef trade

Marts: There was strong demand for beef animals, especially for the quality stock, at yesterday's mart sales with the good sores also selling well.

Producers are optimistic on the beef trade forward with "lots of farmers very keen to get their hands on cattle that will be fit for slaughter in a couple of months" according to John Doyle at Blessington Mart.

The market indicators are suggesting that finishers who have been disappointed with the returns for November are now targeting the early weeks of the New Year in greater numbers than usual hopeful of better fortunes.

Yesterday up to €550 over was paid for heavy bullocks at Kilkenny, up to €450 over at Blessington and up to €380 over at Bandon. Beef heifers sold for up to €430 over at Kilkenny for continentals, and up to €355 over at Blessington.

Cattle numbers on offer at Bandon Mart yesterday was similar to last week with a very solid trade for the bullocks a lively trade for heifers.

Heavy bullocks sold for up to €380 over - a lot of two Belgian Blues weighing 652kg selling for €1,035 - lighter stores ranging €170 over to €270 over and Friesians making €60 over to €160 over.

There was an increase in the number of heifers on offer with a very good trade for the best of the quality continentals which sold for up to €250 over. Hereford and Angus stores ranged €110 over to €170 over.

There was 7209 head on offer at Kilkenny with an excellent trade for beef especially quality lots.

The heavy bullocks ranged €280 aver to €550 over - the top price being paid for seven Belgian Blues weighing 765kg which sold for €1,320. Forward bullocks ranged €270 over to €415 over and light stores sold for up to €350 over. Up to €430 over was paid for the best of the heavy continental heifers - a Limousin 590kg selling for €1,020. Forward heifers made E 200 over to €360 over. At Blessington heavy bullocks ranged €285 over to €450 over and heavy heifers €210 - €355 over.