Last Tuesday’s sale at Iveragh Co-op Mart, Caherciveen, Co Kerry, saw 320 bulls entered into the first autumn-born bull sale of the year.

Mart manager Mike Kissane said entries were up slightly on last year, by just over 20 head. He added that the quality of bulls on offer was very strong and, if anything, it is rising year on year. Of the bulls that passed through the rings, every single animal was sold, which is a good barometer to show that farmers were very satisfied with the prices achieved.

Mike said demand was very strong also, driven primarily by specialist feeders for top-quality heavy bulls. He added that there was some export demand also, but this was mainly for bulls under 300kg. Demand for good-quality types suitable for the Italian trade was poor.

Farmers were quite active also, mainly for bulls from 300kg to 400kg with the aim of castrating them and running them on as steers.

Bulls over 400kg were a brisk trade according to Mike; 80% of those on offer were U and E grade calves, and most were born after July last year, making them very suitable for further feeding and slaughtering under 16 months of age.

Prices of these ranged mainly from €2.70/kg to €2.80/kg, with the very best making up to €3.00/kg. These prices were up by at least 20c/kg on the same sale last year, with some top-quality feeding bulls seeing prices running up to €80/head higher. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg were snapped up by farmers and feeders. Prices of these ranged mainly from €2.70/kg to €2.90/kg, with top-quality types making well over €3.00/kg. Even plainer types were making from €2.70/kg upwards.

Firm export demand

Only a few bulls sold for less than €760/head. Firm export demand kept a floor under prices of all bulls under 300kg.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer if they pay on the day, €10 if they don’t and 1% to the seller with a €5/head entry fee subject to a minimum charge of €5 and a maximum of €12/head.

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Cattle prices: strong feeder and exporter activity continues at marts