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.