Camera at the Ringside was at last Tuesday’s general cattle sale at Athenry Mart.

Manager Alan Barry said that numbers have continued to be slightly lower than last year, adding to brisk demand.

He said that the main demand on the day came from farmers and feeders, with slightly less Northern buyer activity than in recent weeks.

The trade for cull cows was particularly hot and stood out on the day.

There was a good entry of heavy and light stock on the day, but numbers of store cattle remained reasonably tight.

Bullocks over 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.35/kg, with U grades making from €2.50/kg upwards.

Short-keep cattle were met with firm demand from feeders and agents looking to secure supplies.

However, the high prices being paid for forward cattle has also filtered through to light cattle, with farmers driving prices.

Light stores sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg, with the top third in terms of quality making €2.60/kg and upwards.

Demand for heifers remained brisk on the day also, with very strong prices paid again for short-keep types.

Heifers over 500kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg and U grades made from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg.

Overage stock on the day was a strong trade and they sold at similar prices to in-spec underage stock.

Alan said that in some cases, young, high-quality, fleshed cows are commanding a price not too dissimilar from the equivalent heifer.

Cull cows sold mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.30/kg.

Commission rates are 1.75% to the seller with a €1.50 entry fee and €8.25 to the buyer.