Improvement in prices for heifers

Marts: There was an improved trade for heifers yesterday, but prices for store bullocks were a little easier, while demand remained firm.

Prices for beef and store heifers dominated in the sales, where up to €300 over was paid for quality lots and supply fell short of demand at some centres. Among the highest prices recorded was €790 paid for a 492 kg Limousin at Kilkenny Mart, where in general the qualify beef ranged €250-€280 over E/kg and prices were improved by up to €10/head, with over 800 cattle on offer. Prices for butchers heifers were on par or slightly stronger with a top price of €775 paid for a 468 kg Limousin heifer. Another Limousin scaling 436 kgs sold for €725. Up to €250 over was paid for store heifers with prices ranging €170-€250 over €/kg.

At Bandon Mart, it was also the turn of the heifers to dominate with €230-€250 over a common price range. A 450 kgs Limousin sold for €700, a lot of five Angus heifers weighing 332 kgs sold for €540.