Monday’sale at Bandon Mart saw another super trade for cull cows. Mart manager Tom McCarthy described the trade as “phenomenal”. He said the vast majority of cows on offer are three-quarter finished to finished, and prices are ranging from €1,200 to €1,300 for heavy slaughter-fit Friesians around 800kg, while those from 650kg to 700kg are selling mainly for about €1,000 to €1,100. Even where parlour cows are coming through the ring at 550kg to 600kg they are freely selling for more than €700/head.

The bullock trade was also very strong, according to Tom. All bullocks over 500kg were a strong trade. So too were stores from 400kg upwards, but Tom said that those from 350kg to 400kg are struggling a little more to sell. The trade for store Friesian, Angus and Herefords is quite strong with more farmer buyers active at the ring in the past few weeks. The calf sale saw about 1,000 on offer, and if anything the prices were up slightly. The majority of those on offer are now stronger calves. Exporters are still very active and are keeping a firm floor under the prices of Friesians and Angus calves, while farmer demand is still quite strong. 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.