Feed shortage dominates market talk

Marts: Scarce supplies of animal feed on farms, coupled with poor grass growth, was the main talking point around mart ringsides yesterday, where prices varied from slightly improved on last week to an easier tone, particularly for the plain-type animals.

Mean soil temperature for the month is two degrees below average, resulting in grass growth running two to three weeks later than usual, draining feed supplies and resulting in exceptional seasonal demand for concentrates. Many farmers are either deferring buying-in until grass growth improves or reducing the number of cattle they are purchasing.

Marts at Bandon, Kilkenny and Blessington all reported more cattle on offer at yesterday’s sales. At Bandon a bigger entry was met with a good trade for bullocks in particular. Heavy bullocks ranged €220 to €340 over.

Two Limousin 535kgs sold for €870, a lot of 11 Friesians weighing 552kgs made €810, five Herefords scaling 480kgs sold for €800. Among lighter lots, four Simmental 343kgs fetched €580, and four Charolais 364kgs made €680. The best continental beef heifers made €300 over and stores selling at €150-€250 over.

There was 900 head on offer at Kilkenny, where trade was on par with last week or a shade easier for the plain cattle. Heavy bullocks fetched strong prices, ranging €300-€500 over, bullocks 400-500kgs making €400 over, and a good trade for quality light stores with some lots under 400kgs making €515 over. A high of €450 over was paid for the top beef heifers - a continental heifer weighing 432kgs selling for €880. Stores made €150-€320 over.

Up to €430 over was paid for beef bullocks at Blessington, stores making up to €320 and up to €350 over for beef heifers.