Last Tuesday saw the annual Christmas fatstock sale take place at Kanturk Mart. According to mart manager Seamus O’Keeffe, there was a packed house of over 1,000 farmers around the ring for the sale.
Demand was very strong and the trade was brisk. Seamus said that factory buyers were very active and competed for all top-quality fat cattle on the day.
The quality of animals on offer was very high, with Seamus saying that the quality on offer could not have been any better.
In terms of the sale, the strong demand resulted in improved prices on the same sale last year. Overall, fat stock prices were up by around €200/head as a result. Seamus said that it was the most successful fatstock sale to date and a 100% clearance rate was achieved.
The supreme champion prize, sponsored by Bank of Ireland, was won by an 830kg Limousin which sold for €2,800 (€3.37/kg). The top Belgian Blue heifer, sponsored by North Cork Co-op, was won by a 680kg heifer, which sold for €2,100 (€3.08/kg).
The best beef heifer was a 720kg Charolais which sold for €1,900 (€2.64/kg). The best beef bullock was a 790kg Limousin which sold for €2,200 (€2.79/kg). The best beef cow was a 935kg Limousin which made €2,100 (€2.26/kg).
Lower numbers of forward store cattle on offer
Steady cattle prices at Portumna Mart
Mart manager's comment: cull cow numbers increasing but prices firm
Cull cows firm despite increasing supply
Solid trade for quality at Enniskillen