The cull cow trade was flying with 430 lots on offer and a 100% clearance at Gortatlea Mart’s anniversary sale.

Dry suckler cows met a flying trade, with a good proportion of well-fleshed coloured cows making in the region of €1.50/kg to €2/kg.

A cow born in 2008, she weighed 655kgs and sold for €1,080, €1.65/kg.

There were some exceptions reaching €2.50/kg and even beyond, but this was mainly for well-muscled young cows.

Demand was solid for Friesians too, with up to €1.45/kg available for fleshed cows. Factory buyers were very active for the forward cows. Feeder cows were mainly selling for between €1.15/kg and €1.35/kg.

This Friesian cow weighed 700kg and made €995, €1.42/kg.

I think the worst of the beef prices are over, but, saying that, I don’t see cattle getting much dearer in the short term

Speaking after the sale, mart manager Maurice Brosnan said: “All feedlots were anxious for the forward store bullocks and heifers. It’s bringing a bit of confidence into it and they’re driving it on a bit. It was great to see northern buyers active; they are paying good prices at the moment.

“I think the worst of the beef prices are over, but, saying that, I don’t see cattle getting much dearer in the short term.

An 880kg cow, she made €1,540, €1.75/kg.

“Prices for bullocks and heifers were mainly in or around €2.00/kg, which was the going rate for Angus and Hereford dairy-crosses, while continentals were generally making from €2.20/kg to €2.50/kg.”

Entry fee is €2 and commission rate is €12 to the seller and €10 to the buyer.