Gains in forward store bullock trade

TRADE for forward store bullocks showed further gains at the mart sales where numbers on offer yesterday were maintained or increased while the prices for light stores tended to be back.

Bandon Mart had a similar entry of cattle to last week with the increased entry of quality bullocks matched by a “fine trade”, while heifers showed a slight improvement. Prices for the heavy bullocks ranged from €170 over to €300 over with the lighter stores selling at €160 to €260 over and Friesians making €20 to €100 over €/kg.

A lot of five 485kg Charolais sold for €780, two 570kg Simmentals made €810, and a lot of eight 523kg Friesians made €610.

The best of the Continental heifers made €180 over, with Hereford and Angus selling at €60 to €110 over.

There was 500-head on offer at Kilkenny Mart where bullocks over 500kg were improved by €10/head and light stores were back by up to €15/head. Heavy bullocks made up to €310 over, and stores under 400kg €100 over to €220 over. Heavy heifers made up to €240 over and stores ranged €110 over to €215 over.

At Ennis Mart, the trade for heifers and forward store bullocks was improved. Heifer prices were stronger by up to €15/head and the forward bullocks were improved by €10/head. The bullocks ranged €160 over to €452 over. A 698kg Belgian Blue bullock sold for €1,150, a 768kg Charolais made €1,200, but the more general prices ranged €180 - €300 over.