Trade improves for beef heifers

Marts: There was an improved trade for beef heifers at the marts yesterday with gains of up to €40/head with the quality forward bullocks showing small gains.

Numbers of cattle on offer at the marts were similar or slightly higher with firm to brisk trading reported for the quality cattle with the price margin over plain lots widening.

Up to €370 over €/kg was paid for the tops of the butcher’s heifers at Kilkenny Mart, where trade was brisk for the 700 head of cattle on offer. Heifer prices were improved by €20 to €40/head. Butcher’s heifers ranged €120-€370 over with the factory heifers making €120-€330 over.