Boost in live trade prices continues
Monday saw big entries and plenty of buyers prepared to back strong prices, a trend which continued at yesterday's sales.
Kilmallock Mart had its biggest entry year when 2,500 head were offered with prices holding firm for stores single-punched bullocks making up to €485 over €/kg and dry cows improved by up to €20/head. The forward heifers sold for up to €280 over.
Dungarvan also had a big sale and better prices with improvements of up to €30/head pushing prices for single-punched bullocks to €500 over €/kg and heavy punched-out bullocks sold for up to €300 over €/kg. Heavy heifers sold at up to €230 over.
There was even more extraordinary heat in the trade at Athenry Mart yesterday where €490 over €/kg was paid for punched-out bullocks.
A Belgian Blue cross bullock weighing 550kg sold for €1,040 and a double punched 650kg bullock realised €1,140. A number of other lots were sold at €400-€460 over €/kg.
In the single-punched section up to €580 over was paid for the tops a 490kg Charolais sold for €1,070 and a number of lots sold for more than €500 with €/kg, down to weight ranges of less than 400kg. The trade was equally strong for beef heifers with prices ranging €200-€380 over e/kg.
It is interesting to see the pace at which prices paid for double-punched bullocks have risen over the past weeks as the base R grade beef price edged towards 100p/lb and beef men speculate on better to come.
