Despite a flurry of farmer activity over the weekend to get field work completed before the rain, there was good activity at the mart.

While prices of forward- and short-keep types have eased slightly in recent weeks due to beef price pressure, the trade on Saturday was firm with plenty of buyers active for cattle suitable for feeding.

Buyers were not very active for over-age cattle or cattle that would be over-age at the time of finishing.

Prices for these were running from at least €100 to €120 per head behind in-spec stock in the heifer ring and on occasions in the bullock ring.

Bullocks

Bullocks over 700kg sold easily for €750 to €850 along with the weight, these were mainly R+ and U- grade steers.

There were some heavy Angus bullocks on offer which sold for close to €2.00/kg. Those over 600kg were a good trade also, with plenty of buyers present for them.

Prices of good continental types ranged mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg for average quality types and up to €2.45/kg for U grades.

This 705kg Limousin cross bullock, born April 2015 sold for €1,540 (€2.18/kg).

There was a good selection of stores on offer from 500kg to 600kg and from 400kg to 500kg. There was good demand for these also with prices ranging mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for good-quality heavy-types and from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average quality lighter stores.

Heifers

The heifer trade was strong also. The main supply today were good-quality Charolais and Limousin types. Those over 500kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg with top quality heifers making over €2.50/kg.

Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.35/kg with prices rising above €2.50/kg for better quality types.

This 525kg Charolais cross heifer, born March 2016 sold for €1,160 (€2.21/kg).

Cows

The cow trade saw a good supply of well-fleshed cows on offer, which were a firm trade selling mainly from €1.80/kg to €1.95/kg.

Plainer and older feeding cows remain a sticky trade with prices variable.

This 540kg Hereford cull cow, born 2014 sold for €760 (€1.41/kg).

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