Forward store prices soaring

Marts: Prices for forward store cattle reached a seasonal peak at the mart sales yesterday with up to €800 over being paid for choice lots as farmers competed for stock.

The number of cattle on offer at the marts was similar to last week or slightly less, but the talking point among farmers was the level to which demand for forward stores drove prices.

Up to €625 over was paid for exceptional quality store bullocks at Bandon, a top of €640 over for quality heavy continental breed bullocks at Blessington, Kilkenny recording a top of €650 over for heavy heifers, and prices for heavy bullocks peaking at €800 over at Ennis.

The top price at Bandon was paid for a Hereford bullock weighing 835kg sold for €1,460. The general run of prices at Bandon for the heavy bullocks ranged €300 over to €540 over, lighter stores making €280 over to €420 over and Friesians making €110 over to €230 over. Up to €325 over was paid for heavy continental heifers. Hereford and Angus store heifers made €180 over to €250 over.

At Ennis a 610kg Limousin bullock sold for €1,410, with the general run for stores 500kg plus ranging €290 over to €650 over. A 665kg Limousin made €1,305, a 595kg Belgian Blue made €1,245, three 547kg Limousins sold for €1,235, and three 485kg Limousins sold for €1,015. Heavy heifers made €240 over to €540 over.

Lots of customers around the rings at Kilkenny contributed to a lively trade for all types of cattle. The heavy bullocks sold for up to €620 over — a 605kg Belgian Blue sold for €1,185, a 655kg Simmental sold for €1,245, and a 600kg Simmental made €1,190. Heavy heifers ranged €340 over to €650 over — a 610kg Charolais sold for €1,260.

At Blessington the “grass men” drove the trade. Heavy bullocks ranging €480 over to €640 over and heavy heifers making €350 over to €550 over.