Camera at the mart was at last week’s special dry cow sale at Ballymote Mart. There was a strong entry of over 90 cows on the day, which were met with strong demand for all types.

Mart manager Stephen Hannon said that cows were met with solid demand from both farmers and agents. Stronger and heavier types were a solid trade.

Factory agents were active for all short keep or slaughter fit cows. Prices ranged mainly from €1.80/kg to €2.05/kg for heavy fat cows. The majority of fleshed types sold from €1.90/kg to €1.95/kg.

Stephen said that demand for thinner feeding-type cows sold from €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg and were snapped up by farmers looking to run them at grass and finish later in the summer.

Stephen said that both the bullock and heifer trades on the day were quite strong.

He said that forward bullocks sold mainly from €2.15/kg to €2.20/kg for average-quality types, with top-quality forward cattle sold to over €2.25/kg.

Lighter types from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €360 to €770 over the weight.

Stephen said that the trade for heifers was strong on the day also.

Forward heifers over 500kg sold mainly from €2.25/kg to €2.35/kg.

Good-quality heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €370 to €700 over the weight.

Stephen said that the best quality heifers sold for as much as €2.56/kg, with better-quality light heifers being met with the strongest prices.

Commission rates are 2% to the seller with an entry fee of €2/head and a maximum charge of €20 and €9 to the buyer.