Mixed trade for store cattle
Poor grass growth has effected demand for stores in some regions, especially for the plain cattle, with fewer farmers at sales. Other areas report a fall off in numbers on offer and improved trade for all types.
While the overall throughput at the factories was slightly higher for last week, the number of bullocks in the kill slipped for the second week in a row. There was a total throughput of almost 29,000 head at the export plants for last week of which bullocks accounted for 15,000 head.
Prices for cattle were a shade easier at Kanturk Mart yesterday where the forward bullocks made up to €265 over €/kg, while lighter animals sold for up to €300 over. The heavy heifers made up to €225 over and light stores sold for up to €180 over.
At Skibbereen Mart the heavy bullocks ranged €150-€370 over lighter lots selling at €100-€305 over. Medium weight heifers made up to €360 over and stores sold for up to €190 over.
Numbers at Dungarvan were back on last week but there was improved trade for the quality cattle and an exceptional trade for dry cows. Most weight categories of bullocks made up to €400 over €/kg, with the heavy heifers making up to €310 over and stores ranging €150-€280 over.
Kilmallock reported a bigger sale of cattle. Heavy bullocks ranged €250-€420 over €/kg, bullocks in the 400kg-500kg range making €200-€370 over and lighter bullocks ranging €190-€350 over. The heavy heifers sold for up to €280 over with plainer lots selling back to €140 over. Calves were an excellent trade with prices up €30/head.
