MartBids: huge demand for quality cattle in Tuam

The strong prices seen in marts across the country over the last few week is continuing, as was the case again in Tuam on Monday. Those strong prices seem to be encouraging farmers to bring out cattle in numbers, with over 340 offered for sale in Tuam. These are massive numbers for this time of year and while it may be somewhat down to the backlog of cattle as a result of COVID-19, the trade is undoubtedly helping.

Bullocks

Bullocks weighing 350kg-400kg averaged €1.80/kg, however, there was a good number of Friesian bullocks in this category which averaged €1.39/kg pulling the overall average price down. Angus and Hereford dairy crosses were making €2.04/kg, while a small entry of continental cattle in this weight range made €2.40/kg.

There were almost 50 bullocks in the 400kg-500kg bracket and they averaged €2.11/kg. Again Friesian types were at the lower end of the scale making €1.70/kg, while the top-third, which were all either Limousin or Charolais, averaged €2.36/kg.

Those weighing between 500kg and 600kg averaged €2.03/kg. A number of Jersey crosses around the 530kg mark made €1.71 on average, while the general run of prices for more beef types was between €1.90/kg and €2.20/kg. Prices went as high as €2.36/kg for a 505kg Limousin (€1,190).

Bullocks over 600kg averaged €2.13 for fleshier and better conformed types while dairy and dairy crosses averaged €1.88/kg.

Heifers

Heifers weighing 350kg-400kg averaged €2.32/kg, with the top third making €2.45/kg.

An example of this was a May 2019 Limousin weighing 382kg who sold for €940 (€2.46/kg).

In the 400kg-500kg weight range the average price paid for heifers was €2.17/kg. The bottom-third, which consisted mainly of dairy and dairy crosses, made €1.92/kg on average, while continental types in the top-third averaged €2.37/kg.

The 30 heifers in the 500kg-600kg weight range averaged €2.17/kg, with a typical range of €2.10-€2.20/kg. Better-quality lots pushed into the high €2.20s and over €2.30/kg at times. Heifers over 600kg averaged €2.15/kg, with a typical range of €2.05/kg-€2.20/kg in the main.

Cows

Cows met a lively trade and averaged €1.82/kg. Plainer or older types made between €1.50/kg and €1.70/kg, while younger cows or those carrying significant flesh were making €1.90/kg-€2.10/kg. The top price for the cows was achieved by a 2015-born Belgian Blue weighing 865kg who made €1,860 (€2.15/kg).

A sample of other strong cow prices included:

A 2015-born Limousin weighing 675kg sold for €1,350 (€2.00/kg).