Store prices top 2004 levels at mart

STORE cattle prices surpassed 2004 levels at the marts yesterday, dispelling producer fears of lower returns as a result of the changeover in direct support to the Single Payment at the beginning of this year.

With the choice forward continental bullocks selling for up to €450 over €/kg finishers are now paying up to €100/head more than for similar animals with a single punch bought at the same sale centres on the corresponding day in 2004.

At the level of yesterday’s trade there was little between the prices being paid for the fancy lots and that which the tops of the clean ears animals sold for at the mid-February sales last year.