Last week’s rain has seen grass growth explode and exceptionally strong demand from grass buyers has had a positive impact around the cattle rings this week.
There was a bumper sale at Mountrath with well fleshed bullocks selling form €2.40-2.65 for quality continentals. Good quality continental heifers sold in the region of €2.80/kg, one Charolais heifer made €1,890 at 640kg.
There was a small quantity of young bulls for sale and the sold for €2.40-2.50/kg
A selection of incalf Angus heifers also went under the hammer and they sold from €1,300-1,610.
The Laois venue held an exceptional weaning sale last Thursday, with strong demand from both exporters and farmers alike. Limousin and Belgium Blue heifers sold from €2.65-€3.20/kg or €650 over their weight.
According to mart manager JJ Peters demand has increased on the back of the grass buyer.
“Grass is a key driver of the trade, we had an exceptional weaning sale last Thursday. Beef and forward stores are also up on last week.”
The strong trade also continued in Cahir Mart said Jonathan O’Sullivan. There has been strong demand for top quality continental bullocks with the hammer dropping at €2.50/kg, he said.
“The recent rain has helped farmers out with grass. There is a great buzz around the ring with farmers actively buying stock for grass.”
Clare Livestock marts also reported increased demand with cattle generally making €600 with their weight.
Tullow reported an honest trade with good agent and factory demand with finished cattle clearing at €1,000 over their weight.
There was a massive demand for stores, with demand increasing as weights dropped.
Eric Driver, mart manager explained that farmer demand was strong particularly for lighter lots which sold from €2.60-2.70/kg, heavier lots sold for €2.30-2.40/kg.
He also said that shipper demand was high at Tullow, the shippers were only interested in purchasing the cream of export quality weanings.
“The shippers are only buying the cream of the crop bull weanings, they have to be E grade and they are willing to pay €3.10-3.15/kg.”