Ennis and Blessington tops

STORE cattle prices strengthened further at the marts with larger supplies on offer yesterday, with some record prices being paid for beef animals.

Beef bullocks made up to a record €730 over €/kg at Blessington Mart yesterday and forward stores sold for up to €520 over with very strong demand. Beef heifers made up to €380 over and stores sold for up to €295 over €/kg. Beef bullocks were improved by €40/head, stores were up €30-€40/head with heifers showing an improvement of €30/head at an outstanding sale.

Blessington Mart yesterday recorded some of the highest prices paid for cattle in 2005.