Camera at the mart was at last week’s sale at Granard Mart. Numbers at the sale have reduced slightly in the past week or two as the year-end approaches, but the trade for good-quality forward stores remained brisk.

Mart manager Charlotte Kearney said that the sales on Monday and Wednesday saw slightly improved trade for all types of cattle.

The number of forward bullocks and heifers on offer remains tight and firm demand is helping to keep a firm floor under prices.

Forward steers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg for R+ grade types and up to €2.30/kg for U grades.

Lighter stores were available in larger numbers than forward types, but demand was said to be firm also and prices ranged mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types.

Heifers were met with steady demand also. The number of heifers over 500kg on offer was low. Those from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.05/kg to €2.25/kg, with top-quality U grades making up to €2.40/kg.

There was a strong entry of cull cows on offer also. Prices of continental feeding cows ranged mainly from €1.35/kg to €1.60/kg, with fleshed types selling from €1.75/kg to €1.85/kg.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 1% to the seller, along with a €7 fee for weanling bulls, heifers, store bullocks, heifers cows and sucklers. Commission on sheep is €2/head.

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