In pictures: entries holding strong with over 1,000 head in Castlerea Mart

Castlerea Mart’s general sale of cattle held on Thursday recorded another busy day's trading, with over 1,000 head of stock traded across the three rings.

Throughput was boosted by sales of bullocks reverting from being standalone on a Monday to being held again with all other classes on a Thursday.

An analysis of MartBids data shows conflicting fortunes within certain categories of stock.

An entry of close to 50 heavier bullocks weighing upwards of 600kg averaged €2.97/kg, up 10c on the week previous. The top third of cattle averaged €3.31/kg, while the bottom third averaged €2.61/kg.

Store bullocks

Prices were similar for in the region of 80 store bullocks weighing from 500kg to 600kg, while the trade for lighter stores weighing 400kg to 500kg was recorded in the region of 15c/kg lower, with quality also said to be playing a significant role in the lower prices paid.

The average price was recorded at €2.89/kg, while the top third averaged €3.27/kg and the bottom third €2.49/kg.

It was a similar story for lighter weanling bulls, with some tail-end lots now appearing and reducing average prices paid.

The top third of weanling bulls weighing 300kg to 400kg sold for €3.60/kg, while average price was still strong at €3.15/kg and dropping back to €2.72/kg for lesser-quality types.

Heifer trade

The trade for factory-fit stock has been affected by moves by factories to ease prices back in recent weeks.

Thursday’s trade held robust, with heifers weighing 500kg to 600kg averaging €3.28/kg and recorded at €2.92/kg for average-quality types and €2.61/kg for the bottom third. The trade for heifers weighing 400kg to 500kg was similar.

Meanwhile, heifers weighing 350kg to 400kg were a solid trade. Over 50 heifers in this category averaged €2.83/kg, with the top third recorded at €3.18/kg and the bottom third at €2.48/kg.

This included some crossbred heifers from the dairy herd and a selection of heifers with poor weight for age.

A slight easing in the quality of weanlings on offer was also seen in the prices paid for the top third of weanling heifers reducing by 16c/kg to €3.43/kg.

There was no change in the average price of €3.07/kg, while the bottom third of heifers firmed, with the average price rising by 6c/kg to €2.68/kg.

Firm cow trade

The trade for cull cows is holding firm, despite factories trying to insert downward pressure on the trade.

The average price paid for an entry of over 80 cows was €2.45/kg, with the top third recording a fine average of €2.92/kg.

The pick of prices was €2,450 paid for an 800kg young Charolais cow aged 42 months of age. The bottom third of cows averaged €1.97/kg.