Bullock supply shows slight drop
After increasing from 15,921 head per week to 20,238 head per week over a three-week period in August, the bullock intake slipped back to 19,900 head last week, which coincided with the farmer protest in Co Roscommon, although the overall throughput at the factories - all types of stock - was unchanged at 35,800 head.
The official figures for the week show there was no rush of cattle to the factories last week and the indications are that this week’s supply will not show a significant increase other than a steady flow.
However, the indications from the marts are that supplies are showing a substantial increase this week with a clear indication of a trend by farmers to sell earlier than usual.
Ger Flynn, manager, Dungarvan Mart said there was a big increase in cattle numbers at this week’s sale, where the heifer trade was not as strong as previous weeks and prices slipped by up to €30/head. The heavy double punched bullocks sold at €180-€200 over €/kg. The extra to be got for cattle with a premia left has dropped considerably as some of these (younger) animals are not eligible to draw the second premia before the end of the year, if they were born after April 30, 2003.
Kevin Leahy, manager, Kilmallock Mart said there was a big increase in bullocks on offer at the sale with “a lot of cattle coming out for sale early”.
There was a very good trade for the fancy heavy double punched bullock with the choice lots making up to €350 over. Medium weight bullocks with a premia, eligible to be drawn this year, sold for up to €400 over and the tops of the beef heifers made up to €220 over.
