Cattle marts: Stores reported to be in high demand across the country

Mixed reports came out of cattle marts over the last week, with some reporting entry numbers on par with previous weeks, while others saw a slight drop-off.

Although numbers fluctuated in the week gone by, reports all suggest that trade remained strong across the country, while some mart managers reported an increase in demand for specific stock.

Lots containing forward store bullocks and heifers were said to be met with increased demand in many places; all-the-while calf numbers are still reported to be rising.

The weanling trade is best described as steady, with farmers busy sourcing good-quality continentals.

Castlerea Mart

A “large entry of stock” was presented for sale at Castlerea Mart on Thursday, February 27.

Mart manager Brendan Egan told AgriLand that the “trade held firm for all classes of stock on offer” last week.

Brendan continued: “The bullock and heifer rings both reported good clearances, with forward-type stores in strong demand.”

Brendan followed up by saying: “In the weanling rings, quality lots are commanding some very fancy prices at the moment.”

It was also highlighted that the dry cow trade has been “holding firm” – both for stores and heavier lots.

Raphoe Mart

Anne Harkin, mart manager of Raphoe Mart, told AgriLand this week that the sale on Thursday, February 27, saw “another great entry of cattle, with a great trade for all types on offer”.

Anne reported that farmers, agents and feedlot buyers were all anxious to purchase forward stores; while lighter lots were also said to be easily sold to farmers and agents.

On Thursday last, store heifers and bullocks achieved prices slightly back on the previous week; heifers made up to €655 over, while bullocks went for up to €825 with the kg.

Cull cows were said to have sold well on the day, selling from €1.80/kg to €2.30/kg. A top price of €1,240/head was achieved, with prices starting at €755/head.

Ennis Mart

The most recent sale at Ennis Mart on Thursday, February 27, saw a lower turnout of cattle than the previous week, with some 650 cattle on offer.

Despite the lower entry, mart manager Martin McNamara reported an increase in the number of store bullocks on offer on the day. Martin followed up by saying: “The trade improved in the bullock ring by €30/head.”

In the cull cow ring, there was said to be “more of a mix of dairy and continentals”. Martin also said: “The trade for cull cows was equally as strong as last week, with the top lots exceeding €2.00/kg and topped out at €2.17/kg.”

Baltinglass Mart

Mart manager Tom Coleman told AgriLand that there was a “good sale with a very good trade”, at the most recent sale on Wednesday, February 26.

Tom went on to say that there was a good trade for all types of cattle, with “stronger demand” for forward store bullocks and heifers.

Tom stated that ‘fat cows’ also made a stronger trade on Wednesday last, with more demand. The cows were said to make from €600/head to €1,050/head.

Carnew Mart

Carnew Mart held its most recent sale on Saturday, February 29, with some 1,382 cattle on offer, including 185 dry cows and 400 calves.

The trade on the day was described as “excellent” by mart manager David Quinn, with a full clearance of stock reported on the day.

There was “strong demand” for beef and store cattle according to David, resulting in some impressive prices being achieved.

A range of breeds were included in the 185 dry cows on offer.

Headford Mart

The most recent sale at Headford Mart was held on Saturday, February 29.

Joe Wynne, the mart manager, told AgriLand that the sale was greatly affected by Storm Jorge, which resulted in a small turnout.

Cull cows ranged in price from €700 to €1,130, with the top price going for a five-year-old Limousin-cross weighing 725kg.