Kilkenny Mart hosted its weekly cattle sale on Thursday, June 4, where 300 cattle went under the hammer, with trade prices holding on average.

Speaking to Agriland after the sale, auctioner George Chandler said there was "more interest for light stores from buyers who find themselves with excess grass" due to the exceptional weather last week.

Clearance rates were reported at 98%, or 294 cattle sold.

Beef bullocks above 600kgs averaged €3.43/kg and €2,310/head, up from the €2,255 average per head last week.

An Angus bull weighing 1,210kgs made €3,510 or €2.90/kg;
A Charolais bullock weighing 655kgs made €2,420 or €3.69/kg;

Beef bullocks in the 500-600kg range averaged €3.51 or €1,925 per head.

This is down €0.20/kg on last week's average. The price per kg went from €3.00 to €4.10.

Two Friesan bullocks weighing 585kgs each, made €1,910 or €3.26/kg;
Hereford bullocks weighing 555kg made €1,800 or €3.24

Commenting on the trade, Chandler said: "Beef cattle in both bullock and heifer rings are the most difficult to sell".

Bullocks weighing between 400-500kgs were a similar story to the 500-600kg category, where price/kg was down €0.20.

Bullocks were heavier on average resulting in a higher average per head of €1,804 compared to last weeks €1,690.

Lighter bullocks under 400kgs saw an increase 10 cent increase/kg and an average of €1,362.

A Limousin bullock weighing 270kg made €1,280 or €4.74/kg;
Six Friesan bullocks weighing 314kgs made €1,080 or €3.44/kg;

Culls and store cattle

30 cull cows went on offer, with Friesian cows fetching between €2.00/kg and €3.30/kg while continental heifers made from €2.80-€3.60.

Forward store heifers averaged €3.70/kg, up from last week's €3.53/kg. The total per head ranged from €1,360-€1,720.

One Limousin heifer weighing 440kg made €3.91/kg or €1,720.

Light store heifers saw an improvement of €0.32 on last week to take the average to €3.83/kg. Average purchase price was €1,360 per head, while one Limousin heifer weighing 235kg went for €4.60/kg or €1,080.

The price holding relative to last week for heavier cattle is a positive, as mart prices have been falling across the country as factories slash beef prices.