Trade in Skibbereen was relatively solid despite coronoavirus concerns.

This February 2018-born bullock weighed 575kg and sold for €1,285 (€2.24/kg).

There was a good mix of light and forward stores on offer and of the younger cattle, weight played a good part in determining their price, as €2/kg to €2.10/kg saw most 2019-born stock sold, with plainer types back off this price. Forward stores varied from around the €1.75/kg mark up to €2/kg.

A pair of March 2018-born bullocks, weighing 570kg they sold for €1,090 (€2.08/kg).

As ever with spring sales, there was extra demand for outwintered cattle. Outliers off both store types were making 10c/kg and a bit more in some cases than store cattle coming out of the shed.

This 645kg April 2018-born bullock made €1,270 (€1.97/kg).

Well-fleshed dry cows were in good demand, with most Friesians selling for between €1.15/kg to €1.35/kg and a bit more for beef cows.

This group of October 2018-born bullocks averaged 523kg and sold for €1,090 (€2.08/kg).

Speaking after the sale, mart manager Tom McCarthy said: “All things considered, trade was steady enough. It was back a shade on last week.

A 490kg, March 2018-born bullock. He made €990 (€2.02/kg).

There’s a lot of nervousness and uncertainty on coronavirus, but in general it’s not too bad. Cows are broadly the same.

This group of April 2019-born bullocks weighed 393kg and sold for €920 (€2.34/kg).

The plainer cattle would be back a fraction alright, but that’s about it. Other than that, I was happy enough with the sale. Hopefully the shipping will continue for calves and that’s the most important thing.”

A trio of February 2019-born bullocks, they averaged 388kg and made €780, (€2.01/kg).

Commission rates for adult cattle are €1.5% to the seller with an entry fee of €2.50 and a minimum charge of €9.50/head and €9 to the buyer.

These March 2019-born bullocks had an average weight of 372kg and sold for €895 (€2.41/kg).

This 2011-born cow weighed 700kg and sold for €930 (€1.33/kg).

This cow weighing 625kg sold for €840, €1.34/kg.