Good trade for quality cattle

Marts: There was a mixed trade for cattle in the marts yesterday where some of the gains made by forward cattle last week were not maintained, while quality continued very much in demand and in the South there was an improved trade for plain cattle.

Numbers at yesterday’s sales continued seasonally strong for the end of June and there was no shortage of buyers with an active farmer trade for medium to heavy stores at prices which edged up to €420 over €/kg.

The trade for bullocks at Bandon Mart was “very strong” with quality much in demand, but Friesians also met with improved trade. The heavy bullocks ranged €200-€370 over €/kg with lighter lots a shade easier at €180-€340 over. Friesian bullocks made €100-€180 over €/kg. There was also a very brisk trade for heifers ranging up to €300 over, with Hereford and Angus at €120-€200 over.

At Ennis Mart there were 600 head on offer. Bullocks 420-450kg made up to €400 over with heavier lots making up to €450 over. A Charolais 770kg sold for €1,220, three Charolais 701kg sold for €1,122 and a lot of two Charolais 594kg realised €1,015. Two Limousin 456kg sold for €875 and four Charolais 444kg made €850. Heifer prices ranged €180 over €/kg to a record €418 over with a 482kg Charolais selling for €900.

There were 620 head on offer at Kilkenny Mart where prices for bullocks over 500kg were back €10/head, but prices for the quality store bullocks was maintained and a nice selection of heifers ranged up to €330 over €/kg.

The heavy bullocks were back €25/head at Blessington where 450 head were on offer. Prices held for other classes. Heavy bullocks made up to €375 over. Medium weight stores were a good trade at up to €440 over with light stores ranging €250-€330. Beef heifers made up to €275 over and stores up to €295 over.