There was a very solid trade for cattle, but especially heifers in Skibbereen mart. With 97% of what was on offer today sold, the vast majority of sellers went home happy. Like every other post Brexit sale, quality cattle were in demand with buyers slower to pay over the odds on cattle requiring a bit more work or those under performing for their age.

There were 108 heifers, 96 bullocks and weanling bulls on offer in total. Suckler bred continentals performed well today in the bullock sale with most of these selling in excess of €2.20/kg. Continental crosses from the dairy herd were closer to €2/kg, with prices floating either side of this. Traditional beef breeds and Friesians were in short supply and were closer to €1.80/kg and below it.

Bullock sample prices:

  • Five Friesian 530kg - €825, €1.56/kg
  • Five Limousin 412kg - €860, €2.09/kg
  • Three Charolais 476kg - €1145, €2.41/kg
  • Three Charolais 538kg -€1245 ,€2.31/kg
  • Two Hereford 395kg - €800, €2.03/kg

    • Weanling bulls were in limited in number this week with some exceptional lots of Charolais breaking the €1000 mark.

    Charolais sample prices:

  • One Charolais, September 15, 540kg - €1220, €2.26/kg
  • One Charolais, October 15, 465kg - €1030, €2.22/kg
  • One Charolais, September 15, 525kg - €1125 , €2.14/kg
  • One Limousin, October 15, 460kg - €970, €2.11/kg

    • Heifers were the stand outs in the sales ring today, with the majority of lots breaking the €2/kg and in many cases going significantly above this.

    Heifers sample prices:

  • One Charolais 695kg - €1430, €2.06/kg
  • One Angus 395kg - €845, €2.14/kg
  • One Shorthorn 315kg - €760, €2.41/kg

    • Weanling heifers sample prices:

  • Two Limousin, September 15, 312kg - €790, €2.53/kg
  • Three Charolais, September 15, 421kg - €1060, €2.52/kg
  • Two Limousin, August 15, 335kg - €820, €2.45/kg
  • One Charolais, September 15, 377kg - €985, €2.61/kg
  • Two Blonde D'Aquitane, September 15, 370kg - €920, €2.49/kg

    • There were only 30 calves on offer this week, with all selling. Herefords and Angus bull calves sold from €160 up to €320 with heifers making from €155 to €250. Friesian bull calves sold from €95 to €155.

    There were 35 dry cows on offer. They made from €100 under to €475 over the €/kg.

    Calves sample prices:

  • One Friesian 645kg - €930, €1.44/kg
  • One Friesian 510kg - €840, €1.65/kg
  • One Limousin 855kg - €1330, €1.56/kg
  • One Limousin 640kg - €990, €1.55/kg

    • Read more

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