Drop in bullock prices continues
Poor grass growth and harsh weather is contributing to an easing of the trade, but concern about beef prices later in the year has also become an important factor which is beginning to affect the prices for most classes except the near finished animals.
While the quality medium weight bullocks and heifers are showing a drop of 10-30/head, plainer cattle and particularly those with poorer grading potential have slipped 50-70/head over the past 10 days.
The trend in cattle numbers at the marts varied, but the common factor was a tougher trade and lower prices.
There was a big increase in the numbers on offer at Bandon mart, where trade, with the exception of cull cows, was quieter for all types and bullocks making more than 300 over /kg were the exception. The heavy bullocks ranged 180-270 over, while lighter bullocks made up to 305 over and back to 90 over for Friesian type. The trade for heifers was noticeably quieter with just a couple of lots making up to 330 over and Hereford/Angus ranging 100-160 over.
There was a smaller sale of 510 head at Kilkenny, where prices for quality held up reasonably well, but plainer lots were back. Up to 420 over was paid for the heavy bullocks, with 400-500kg stores ranging 200-330 over. The trade for heifers was firm with beef heifers making 200-260 over and butchers heifers ranging 200-290 over while stores made 150-300 over.
There was 650 head on offer at Blessington, where prices for store bullocks were back, although quality continued to sell well at up to 420 over for heavy bullocks.
Martin Ryan
