Cattle mart trade continues strong

Marts: A very strong trade from farmer buyers continues to boost the demand and the prices at the marts where exceptional prices are being paid for forward store cattle.

Prices being paid for single punched bullocks continued to improved with a further €20/head being added in an apparent rush to get the last of the premia carrying stock before the deadline on December 31.

But the top price of the week must have been the lot of three Charolais punched out bullocks, weighing 698 kgs, which sold for €1,190 at Ennis Mart on Thursday. They were an excellent price at the sale where the general run for the tops of the continental punched out bullocks ranged €300-€350 over €/kg.