Bank holiday trade sees a slight improvement

The main camera at the mart was at last Monday’s bank holiday sale at Birr Mart. Mart manager Michael Harty said that the trade was a little firmer than the previous week. He said that because it was a bank holiday sale, people who are away working during the week were in attendance and this had a positive affect on demand, with more farmer buyers actively bidding.

This translated into a very good clearance rate, which was up on 95%, according to Michael, a good indication of a strong trade for a large sale on a bank holiday weekend.

The mart is better known as a heifer stronghold and for that reason there was a good supply of good-quality heifers available.

The largest supply of heifers were R grade types over 500kg. These were met with strong demand. Prices ranged mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg.

There were a good share of Angus and white head heifers on offer also. Prices for these were not as good as what was paid for them this time last year, with buyers not as eager to edge towards the €2.00/kg mark. Michael said that these sold mainly from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg.

There was a good entry of lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg, but these were mainly over 450kg. Demand was strong for these also, with plenty of farmer buyers active.

Bullocks were a firm trade on the previous week, with finishers and some feedlot buyers continuing to be active.

Prices were quite similar to the heifers, with heavy continental bullocks selling from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg, with white heads and Angus making from €1.80/kg upwards.

There were a share of heavy Friesians on offer also and prices for these ranged mainly from €1.60/kg to €1.70/kg, with 500kg selling for around €800/head.

There were about 40 cull cows on offer. The number of Friesian culls was still low, but slowly increasing.

Prices for these ranged mainly from just under the weight to about €100 along with the weight.

Continental cull cows continue to be met with firm demand and there were plenty of buyers for these, particularly the fleshed types.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €10 to €15 to the seller.