Live trade continues strongly
While the number of cattle at the sale is declining, there is no indication of weakening in demand from farmer buyers, still showing optimism in the continuation of a strong beef price.
Double-punched bullocks continue a very strong trade, but the emphasis is being placed more on quality, with a wider spread of €160 over to €515 over €/kg showing from yesterday's sales.
The highest price at the sales was paid for a quality 695kg Charolais which sold for €1,210 at Athenry. The double-punched bullocks made up to €345 at Fermoy Mart, selling for up to €340 at Blessington and at Kanturk they peaked at €230 over.
The forward single- punched bullocks continue an excellent trade up to €600 over €/kg being paid across the country. A 500kg Charolais sold for €1,100 at Athenry where more than €500 over €/kg was paid for several lots with the quality bullocks meeting with a very good trade.
At Fermoy the highest price was €510 over €/kg a lot of two Belgian Blue bullocks weighing 415kg selling for €915 and up to €450 over was paid at Blessington.
The medium-weight single-punched store bullocks are ranging up to €400 over €/kg provided the premiums can be claimed before the end of the year.
There is an excellent trade for both beef and store heifers. The butcher's heifers made up to €345 over at Fermoy Mart and up to €360 over was paid at Athenry and up to €350 over at Blessington Mart for the tops.
Prices for store heifers peaked at Blessington where up to €380 was paid. Fermoy Mart had up to €250 over for quality stores and at Kanturk up to €250 was paid.
