Demand for double-punched bullocks
The demand seemed to be based on speculation that prices for beef are heading into a rising phase in the run up to Christmas. However, that will be based on the balance of supply and demand.
The trade for punched out bullocks was steady at Bandon Mart yesterday and improved at sales at Kilkenny, Blessington and Ennis Marts with up to €480 over €/kg being paid at Ennis for heavy quality continentals.
There were over 1,400 head on offer at Kilkenny Mart where the trade was strong for all quality bullocks and double punched bullocks showed an improvement of up to €15/head. Some of the top lots of punched out bullocks sold for up to €300 over €/kg.
Numbers on offer at Bandon were similar to last week with “plenty of demand” for double punched bullocks at prices up to €220 over €/kg. A lot of two Simmentals weighing 435kg sold for €655.
At Blessington Mart the punched out bullocks over 600kg sold for up to €270 over with a complete clearance of cattle on offer.
The highest prices of the day for the punched out bullocks was set at Ennis Mart, where an exceptional price of €480 over was paid for a Limousin scaling 742kg made €1,220 which will require a substantial increase in beef prices to pay his way through the factory system - unless the animal picks up a few Fat Stock Show prizes on the way. The choice ‘Limo’ was not the only one to make a strong price at the sale. A Limousin weighing 594kg sold for €1,050 and a Belgian Blue X weighing 702kg sold for €1,070.
