Sales of cattle at marts around the country are increasing in size, and with a positive beef trade and a good level of export activity, prices across the board are in a relatively good position.
There were over 1,000 head of cattle on offer at Kilkenny Mart last week, with the continental breed cattle “very much in demand with the top-notchers ranging from €2.70-3.65/kg”, according to a sale report from mart management.
Plain cattle met “an easier trade” with the lack of grass one of the main negatives.
While grass supplies are a challenge in many parts of the country, ground conditions remain better than last year in general – which is good news for farmers grazing cattle on heavier-type soils.
Bullocks over 600kg averaged €2.70/kg and ranged from €2.15-3.30/kg. Two Limousin bullocks weighing 690kg each sold for €3.30/kg or €2,280/head.
In the 400-500kg weight rage, bullocks averaged €2.52/kg and ranged in price from €1.80-3.56/kg. On the higher-end of the price scale, a 490kg Charolais bullock sold for €3.33/kg or €1,630.
Three Angus bullocks weighing 475kg sold for €2.78/kg or €1,320/head.
Bullocks under 400kg averaged €2.40/kg with 14 Angus bullocks weighing 380kg selling for €2.45/kg or €930/head.
In the cull cow sale on Tuesday, Friesian cows ranged from €1.10-2.20/kg while Continental cows ranged from €1.70-2.90/kg.
Beef heifers averaged €2.85/kg while forward store heifers averaged €2.70/kg and light store heifers averaged €2.30/kg.
Carnaross mart cattle sale
There were big sales of of cattle all week at Carnaross Mart in Co. Meath, with over 800 bullocks and over 300 calves/runners on offer in the Monday sale.
Commenting on the trade for calves and runners, auctioneer Rodney Windrum said farmers and exporters are both active for these types of cattle.
Sample prices from the calf and runner sale at Carnaross:
Numbers of calves on offer in the sale have not really kicked off yet, but the auctioneer noted there are big numbers of reared calves on offer in the sale.
Sample Bullock prices from the Monday sale at Carnaross:
Trade remained strong in the bullock ring on Monday according to mart manager Padraic McElroy, with a good clearance achieved on the day.
Cavan Mart
Cavan Mart had a good show of cattle in its general sale on Friday September 13, with a mix of forward store cattle and lighter types also and plenty of local farmer demand on the day.
Sample prices from the general cattle sale at Cavan:
Cattle with good weights for ages were a particularly good trade in the sale, with farmers keen for store cattle of all types for further feeding.
Carnew Mart
Carnew Mart in Co. Wicklow hosted a weanling show and sale on Wednesday, September 11 with over head of cattle on offer.
Carnew Mart’s Eugene Clune said: “The yard in Carnew Mart on Wednesday evening was full of exceptional quality stock which was a true credit to the farmers.”
Heifer prices from Carnew Mart:
- 506kg Limousin heifer sold for €3,460;
- 386kg Limousin heifer sold for €2,360;
- 422kg Belgian Blue heifer sold for €2,460;
- 430kg Belgian Blue heifer sold for €2,420;
- 404kg Belgian Blue heifer sold for €2,020;
- 294kg Belgian Blue heifer sold for €1,240.
Bull prices from Carnew Mart:
- 498kg Belgian Blue bull sold for €2,320;
- 324kg Belgian Blue bull sold for €1,330;
- 568kg Limousin bull sold for €2,300;
- 358kg Limousin bull sold for €1,430;
- 476kg Belgian Blue bull sold for €1,900;
- 504kg Belgian Blue bull sold for €2,000;
- 354kg Limousin bull sold for €1,380.
“Ringside trade saw farmers, specialist feeders and exporter customers battling it out for the outstanding cattle on show while online was flying with bids coming from north, south, east and west to of the country to try secure the much sought-after top-quality stock,” he added.