Camera at the mart was at last Wednesday’s general cattle sale at Baltinglass Mart. There was a strong entry of stock on offer despite the time of year, with firm demand for all good-quality types.

Mart manager Joe Kinsella said that there was slightly improved feeder activity, which was a positive. In terms of prices, sellers were happy with the trade. Prices were only marginally back on the same time last year, but feeders were most active for short-keep types.

There was a good entry of forward store bullocks and heifers that were met with strong demand. Bullocks over 600kg sold mainly from €1,250 to €1,400/head or from €600 to €750 along with the weight. These short-keep cattle were snapped up by feedlot buyers.

Store bullocks from 500kg to 600kg were met with strong feeder and finisher activity and sold mainly from €1,200 to €1,300/head or from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for R and U grade types.

Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg saw strong farmer buyer activity. Strong grass supplies and firm ground conditions have been the main drivers behind farmer activity. In many cases, these buyers are purchasing slightly earlier than last year with a view to turning them out to grass for a period of cheap liveweight gain prior to housing for finishing.

The heifer trade was strong, similar to the trade for store bullocks. Heavy types over 600kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg for better-quality types. There were more store heifers on offer than short-keep types. Prices of heifers from 400kg to 500kg ranged mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg, with traditional breed heifers making from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg mainly.

Joe said that there was strong demand for traditional breed heifers for finishing and breeding. Prices ranged from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for these types.

Weanlings bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.25/kg to €2.40/kg. The majority of good-quality bulls made from €800 to €900/head or €2.30/kg. Farmers were also active for light store heifers and weanling heifers. Those from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types, while top-quality heifers made up to €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg.

Commission rates are 1.7% to the seller and €10 to the buyer.