Double punched trade stays strong

The trade for store cattle was easier around the mart sales yesterday where the numbers of cattle on offer was maintained at most sale centres.

Quality double punched bullocks continued a strong trade, but prices for plainer lots of punched out bullocks were lower, following the trend at the factories with lower prices for the past week.

In contrast, the entry of cattle at Bandon Mart yesterday was up on last week, with a steady overall trade. Double punched bullocks made €175-€280 over €/kg while single punched sold from €255 over to €370 over. In the heifer section, two 395kg Simmentals sold for €665, and another lot of two Simmentals weighing 350kgs made €620. Three Charolais, which averaged 288kgs, sold for €520.

There was an entry of €570 head on offer at Kilkenny Mart yesterday where prices for cattle were lower by €10-€20/head. Good prices were paid for heavy double punched bullocks. A 664kgs Charolais sold for €975 and a 640kg Simmantal made €955. In the single punched section, up to €400 over €/kg continued to be paid for forward quality lots, with plainer lots selling back to €270 over, and animals under 400kgs selling back to €230 over.

Beef heifers made up to €235 over and the trade for stores pushed prices for the tops to €295 over.

At Ennis Mart, the tops of the continental double punched made up to €400 over, with more average lots selling back to €175 over.

Heavy single punched trade improved with choice lots making up to €500 over and plainer lots selling back to €270 over. Heavy heifers made up to €300 over and light stores sold back to €186 over.

Numbers at Athenry Mart were back, especially in the calf section.