This week, Kilkenny mart hosted a special sale of factory-fit cattle alongside its general sale.
This meant that cattle numbers over the 600kg mark were up substantially on the week. This increase was met with active bidding and prices rose considerably.
Seeing the most increased demand were the nearly 70 steers hitting this weight mark. On average, this section witnessed a near 100% clearance, with average sale price settling at €2.15/kg, up 15c on the week with nearly double sold.
Agents were again very active in securing these lots, which meant prices rose as high as €2.50/kg for the top lots. Overall, the top third of 600kg plus bullocks averaged €2.37/kg.
Heifers also saw the benefit of this specialised sale, with prices rising by 6c/kg on the week.
Overall, 30 heifers broke the 600kg mark, selling to an average €2.12/kg.
Those ready for slaughter and carrying more shape proved to be in very high demand, with the top third of lots selling to average €2.34/kg, up 18c on the week.
The top price in this ring was a call of €1,900 for a spring 2018-born heifer weighing 650kg (€2.92/kg).
The top of the lighter, short-stay heifers saw prices rise as high as €3.16/kg for a 23-month-old Limousin heifer weighing 585kg, which sold for €1,850.
Overall, trade was very positive, with a mostly continental yard of steers and heifers averaging between the €2/kg and €2.20/kg mark.
However, it was the top end of lots that really shined though, with the top third of lighter steers and heifers averaging just shy of €2.50/kg.
Beef trends: firm appetite edging prices upwards