Kilkenny Mart held its weekly cattle sale yesterday (July 9), where 630 cattle went through the ring, with almost €1.25 million-worth traded across the day.

The sale saw strong clearance rates across the board with the trade described as "steady for all lots" by Kilkenny Mart auctioneer George Candler, who spoke to Agriland after the sale.

Bullocks saw a full clearance with more interest this week, aided by the increases in factory agents around the ring. This trend has been seen in marts across the country in the last number of weeks.

Bullocks in the forward store (600kg+) category saw a top price of €3,840/head that was paid for two Charolais bullocks weighing 940kg on average, equivalent to €4.09/kg.

The price per kg ranged from €3.30-€4.55 while the price per head ranged from €2,020-€3,840. This was up from the top price of €4.40 in the sale last week.

Below are some sample prices from the sale:

Two 785kg Charolais bullocks sold for €3,380/head on average or €4.31/kg;
Two 705kg Angus bullocks sold for €2,820/head on average or €4.00/kg;
A pen of 10 700kg Friesian bullocks sold for €2,500/head on average or €3.57/kg.

Bullocks between 500-600kg saw prices range from €1,700/head to the top price of €2,640/head for a pen of four 595kg Charolais bullocks, equivalent to €4.44/kg.

Below are some further examples of prices for bullocks between 500-600kg on the day:

Six 575kg Friesian bullocks sold for €2,000/head on average or €3.48/kg;
Six 550kg Angus bullocks sold for €2,050/head on average or €3.73/kg;
Two 520kg Friesian bullocks sold for €2,190/head on average or €4.21/kg.

Store cattle (400-500kg) saw prices range from €3.00-€4.70/kg and between €1,340 to the €2,220/head paid for three 490kg Charolais bullocks at €4.53/kg.

Some other sample prices from the store cattle sale include:

Two 495kg Hereford bullocks sold for €1,960/head or €3.96/kg;
Six 480kg Belgian Blue bullocks sold for €1,860/head or €3.88/kg;
Three 475kg Charolais bullocks sold for €2,130/head or €4.48/kg.

Light store cattle (<400kg) in Kilkenny Mart saw prices range from €3.30-€4.70/kg and between €1,220/head and the €1,660 paid for a 390kg Charolais bullock equivalent to €4.26/kg.

Some other sample prices for light store cattle include:

Two 305kg Limousin bullocks sold for €1,430/head on average or €4.69/kg;
Two 385kg Angus Bullocks sold for €1,500/head on average at €3.90/kg;
Two 315kg Simmental bullocks sold for €1,380/head on average or €4.38/kg.

Heifers and cows

Cull cows saw a strong trade with 79 cows through the ring and a full clearance.

Friesian cull cows saw prices range from €2.20-€3.30/kg while continental culls ranged from €3.20-€4.30/kg.

Heifers saw a good trade with a 98% clearance rate.

Heavy beef heifers saw prices from €3.50-€4.30/kg and between €1,900/head and the €3,080/head paid for two 790kg Charolais heifers, equivalent to €3.90/kg.

The top price was down marginally from last week's sale (July 2).

Below are some further sample prices for heavy beef heifers:

Two 665kg Hereford heifers sold for €2,540/head on average or €3.85/kg;
A 560kg Limousin heifer sold for €2,300 or €4.11/kg;
A pen of seven 550kg Hereford heifers sold for €2,200/head on average or €4.00/kg.

Forward store heifers saw prices range from €1,700/head to the top price of €2150/head paid for a pen of four 470kg Charolais heifers at €4.57/kg.

Light store heifers ranged from €800/head to the €1,860/head paid for a 390kg Charolais heifer at €4.77/kg.

More sample store heifer prices can be seen below:

Two 515kg Hereford heifers sold for €1,950/head on average at €3.79/kg;
Three 480kg Charolais heifers sold for €1,920/head on average at €4.00/kg;
Four 420kg Limousin heifers sold for €1,800/head on average at €4.29/kg;
Eight 370kg Hereford heifers sold for €1,480/head on average at €4.00/kg.

Commenting on the sale, Candler added that there was caution from some store buyers due to a lack of rain and grass growth.

Kilkenny Mart will hold another cattle sale next Thursday, July 16.