Tullow Mart in Co. Carlow held its weekly cattle sale on Friday (July 3), which saw 300 cattle through the ring with numbers up on previous week and a full clearance reported.

Speaking to Agriland after the sale, Tullow Mart manager Eric Driver described the trade as "steady" and noted that the numbers this week were in-line with standard summer levels from previous years.

Commenting on the demand in the cattle trade, Driver noted that factory agents were more "independent" and "anxious for cattle" this week compared to previous weeks.

Driver pointed to the full clearance as evidence the trade was beginning to recover, as well as testament to the quality in the ring in Tullow.

He also described it as a sign that the trade was "starting to wake back up" after a difficult spring period for the cattle trade.

Mart prices

Bullocks saw a strong trade with heavier bullocks benefitting the most.

Hereford cattle weighing in excess of 650kg sold for between €3.70kg and €3.90/kg. Continental cattle breeds saw higher prices, with a selection of bullocks in the 650kg plus weight category breaking the €4.00/kg mark.

The top price for a bullock on the day was €2,650 paid for a 650kg Charolais bullock, equivalent to €4.08/kg.

Lighter type store cattle saw a decent trade with a Charolais bullock weighing 330kg fetching €1,620 or €4.91/kg.

Hereford and Angus cattle around the 330kg mark made roughly €1,600/head or €4.85/kg, according to Driver.

A pen of five Friesian bulls weighing on average 435kg made €1,650/head or €3.79/kg.

Heifers saw a solid trade with the top price for a heifer going to a 'U' grade Limousin weighing 660kg who fetched €2,500 or €3.79/kg.

Some further sample heifer prices from the day are as follows:

An Angus heifer weighing 370kg made €1,520 or €4.11/kg;
An Angus heifer weighing 610kg made €2,350 or €3.85/kg.

Cull cows through the ring saw a steady trade, with Friesian culls "out of the parlour" making between €1.90-€2.50/kg while continental cattle made closer to the €3.00/kg mark.

The top price for a cull cow went to a Charolais/Simmental-cross cow weighing 800kg that made €3,200 or €4.00/kg.

The calf trade saw firm prices also with January and February Friesian runners making €750-€800.

Hereford and Angus calves around six weeks-of-age stage made €400-€550, with continental calves averaging closer to the €600 mark.

Commenting on the quality of young stock compared to previous years, Driver believes the role of the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) was significant, as dairy farmers are "opting for better sires" and seeing the value of it this year.

He put the impressive calf prices down partially to "better breeding" but added that "well fed calves will always see a strong trade".

Trade trends

On the prevailing mood ringside amongst farmers, Driver said "the weather has them in a good mood" but that "concern is still there".

He also advised caution on declaring a turn-around in the trade with the latest price increases being the "seasonal increases in July we expect to see most years".

Driver also added that he believed that the volatility in the cattle trade was not down to any shortage of cattle.

He said: "We've seen we can get protein from anywhere now."

He expressed concern for the feasibility of the beef finisher at current trade rates and that the consistent pressure on margins was a significant concern.

"They [beef finishers] only get a dig out when they absolutely need one," he said.

Driver welcomed the upturn and advised that stability was vital as beef farming requires "substantial investment first before anything can happen" and the trade's future was dependent on farmers being able to invest long-term.

Tullow will be holding their next cattle sale on Friday, July 10 and also hold sheep sales every Tuesday.