Shortage of grass affects 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.
There was over 700 cattle at Kilkenny Mart, where all types were back at least €15/head. The heavy bullocks ranged €280-€340 over, some of the quality medium weights making up to €370 over and the light bullocks ranging back to €210 over. Beef heifers ranged €240-€300 over; butcher’s heifers sold from €190 to €290 over €/kg and stores made €160-€320 over.
At Blessington Mart, there was an easier trade for 500 head on offer with prices back by up to €20/head.
The beef bullocks made €310-€390 over, with the best of the heavy continental stores making up to €430 over and light store bullocks ranging €250-€350 over.
