Shortage of grass affects trade

Marts: The shortage of grass affected trade yesterday with fewer farmer buyers and, with weaker demand, prices slipped by up to €25/head, with plain stores a difficult trade.

The pattern was similar across the country, with a weaker trade reported from all sales where fewer farmer buyers at the ringside resulted in an easier trade, while the numbers on offer held up well at most centres.

The entry of cattle at Bandon Mart was similar to last week with an easier trade for the bullocks and less demand for plainer stock, while prices for heifers were unchanged. The heavy bullocks ranged €200-€320 over €/kg, lighter lots selling at €180-€360 over, while the plain Friesian type bullocks were back to €50 over. Two Hereford bullocks 577kgs sold for €875, two Angus 460kgs made €725 and a lot of five Charolais 407kgs sold for €770. A lot of five good Friesians weighing 510kgs made €720 and a lot of seven Angus weighing 345kgs made €520. The best of the continental heifers made up to €275 over, with Hereford and Angus ranging €100-€160 over.