The trade was firm for all good-quality types on offer, but there was a greater entry of plainer cattle than previous weeks.
The heifer sale saw a small selection of heifers, but the trade was very strong for better-quality heavy types. Continental heifers over 500kg sold from €2.00/kg to €2.37/kg for a top-quality 622kg Limousin. Lighter types were a steady trade also, with the most selection from 380kg to 500kg. The top heifer made €2.34/kg for a 380kg top-quality Charolais. Other plainer types sold mainly from €735 to €965/head.
The trade for bullocks was strong, with plenty of farmers sourcing. Light bullocks from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €1.85/kg for plain types to €2.40/kg for better-quality types. Plainer Angus types from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €1.60/kg to €1.90/kg, depending on quality. The price premium on the day was for all better-quality types.
Heavy bullocks from 400kgto 500kg sold mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.20/kg, with a top-quality 460kg Angus making €980.
Heavier bullocks from 500kg to 600kg were a better trade than lighter types. Prices ranged mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg. Top-quality heavy bullocks over 600kg sold from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg.
Like many marts in the locality, the number of cull cows on offer remains strong. The trade was quite firm. At the bottom of the market, Friesians sold from €1.30/kg to €1.50/kg for good-quality feeding cows. Better-quality Friesians made from €1.60/kg upwards.
Angus cull cows sold from €1.20/kg to €1.70/kg with age and quality the main factors dictating prices. Top-quality fleshed cows which were slaughter-fit sold mainly from €1.85/kg to €2.00/kg.
Continental feeding cows were a firm trade and sold mainly from €1.66/kg to €1.76/kg.
Cows with calves at foot remain a steady trade. Prices range mainly from €1,250 to €1,600 for top-quality types, with plainer sorts making from €1,000 upwards.
Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €11 to €20 to the seller.