Demand strong for store animals
The trade for store bullocks of all weights remains buoyant with demand outstripping supply, but it was the store heifers that showed the greatest gains on the week with up to E370 over /kg being paid for the tops of the continentals.
At Bandon Mart, where there was a big increase in the numbers on offer, the trade for store heifers was described as “the real winner” with prices showing an improvement of up to E60/head, with the top continental heifers selling for up to E300 over /kg. Hereford and Angus heifers ranged E150-210 over. A lot of two 362kg Simmentals sold for 650 and a 570kg Hereford was knocked down at 835. Heavy store bullocks made E250-354 over /kg with E795 paid for a lot of two 450kg Charolais and a lot of four AA weighing 600kg selling for E910.
The entry at Ennis Mart was similar to last week at 570 head and prices for bullocks and heifers were improved by at least 10/head. A top price of 500 over /kg was paid for continental bullocks with several lots making in excess of E450 over /kg.
Heifers made up to E370 over with prices scaling back to E170 over and there was an exceptionally strong trade for dry cows.
Beef bullocks were dearer by at least 20/head at Kilkenny Mart where there were almost 700 head on offer, and prices for store heifers were stronger by at least E15/head.
Best of the heavy bullocks made up to E390 over with lots over 500kg making 250-370 over and lighter animals ranging 220-370 over. A 602kg Charolais made E985, a lot of two 545kg Charolais sold for 1,000, a lot of five Friesians 472kg sold for E755.
