Camera at the mart was at last Thursday evening’s sale at Gort Mart. Newly appointed mart manager Bernie Fahey said that there was a strong trade on the day for all good-quality types.

In recent weeks, grass buyers had become more active and even though weather conditions were difficult last week, she said that weanlings were a fairly solid trade.

Weanling bulls from 300kg to 400kg were met with strong demand. The quality on offer was very good and farmers were very happy with prices as a result.

Weanlings from 300kg to 400kg sold from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality types, with top-quality export-type calves making from €2.70/kg to €2.90/kg. Lighter types were a flying trade also. Prices on the day for average-quality types ranged mainly from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg, with the top third in quality terms making over €3.00/kg.

Bernie said that farmer demand for weanling heifers was strong also. The average 300kg to 400kg heifer saw prices range mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg, with quality having a major impact on price. The top third made from €2.70/kg to €2.80/kg.

Demand for lighter types was brisk also and prices averaged from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg, with the top third in terms of quality making well over €3.00/kg.

Continental cull cows saw prices range from €1.70/kg to €1.90/kg, with young cows making up to €2.10/kg. An entry of in-calf cows were met with strong demand and prices ranged from €1,350 to €1,600, with the majority making from €1,500 to €1,600.

Commission rates are €10 to the buyer and €12 to the seller.

Upcoming sales

Thursday 14 April: Special monthly continental weanling sale, includes entry of 25 LMX heifers (480kg to 520kg)

Thursday 21 April: Pedigree sale at 7.30pm, all breeds, males and females.