Tuesday’s sale at Nenagh Mart saw a seasonal number of cattle on offer. Mart manager Michael Harty said the trade was strong and steady just like previous weeks. He added that in the case of forward bullocks and heifers, the trade was slightly stronger, with more buyers active. He said cattle have throve well so far this year, and as a result some finishers have brought cattle to the factories earlier than previous years; as grass supplies are strong, these farmers have come back to the marts once again and are buying short-keep cattle with a view to killing them.

Forward cattle are up slightly as a result, with most bullocks over 600kg making from €1.90/kg for plainer types to €2.10/kg for good-quality Angus and Herefords. Michael said there was a share of good-quality Friesians on offer also, with better-quality types making up to €2.00/kg and average quality types making €1.90/kg upwards. Store cattle were a strong trade, with continentals making up to €650 along with the weight.

However, Michael said plainer lighter Friesians were back a little on previous weeks. The cull cow trade has held firm, with slaughter-fit types slightly stronger. Lower numbers on offer has held feeding cow prices firm. Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €10-15 to the seller.

Forward and short-keep cattle see the best trade at marts

Forward and short-keep cattle prices up slightly at Nenagh Mart

Tuesday's sale at Nenagh Mart saw a slightly improved trade for all forward and short keep cattle types, while plainer quality light stores were a little easier.