This week will see a slight bit of normality return to marts, as farmers will be permitted to stand socially distant ringside and bid for cattle in some marts from Tuesday (December 1) onwards.

Mart managers have been noting for the past few weeks that some farmers were awaiting the return of ringside buyers until they brought their animals for auction. Therefore, it will be interesting to see if there will be an increase in the number of cattle at auctions this week.

Again, last week saw a demand in marts for forward-type cattle, with factories still striving to increase throughput in the run up to Christmas.

Meanwhile, farmers still seem to have confidence in purchasing store cattle, as marts recorded Angus-bred store bullocks and heifers, in particular, trading from €1.90/kg up to €2.05/kg. Hereford-bred stores sold slightly behind in comparison at €1.80/kg up to €2.00/kg in some marts.

This week AgriLand takes a look at the recent sales of cattle in Kilkenny, Castlerea and Carnew Marts.

Kilkenny Mart

A total of 500 head of cattle were on offer in Kilkenny Mart last Thursday (November 26). According to the mart’s auctioneer, George Candler, all of the lots on offer were met with an “excellent trade”, with an overall clearance of 95% achieved.

The demand amongst factory agents for the more forward-type animals was also noted last week, as George stated: “Beef and forward store bullocks were in short supply, with a top call of €1,880 for 885kg.”

Forward-type steers traded between €1.70/kg to €2.30/kg last week. Store bullocks weighing from 500kg up to 600kg sold from €1.65/kg to €2.46/kg.

Lighter store bullocks weighing under 500kg sold from €1.50/kg up to €2.55/kg.

There was a good trade recorded for heifers, with forward females selling from €1.70/kg up to €2.52/kg.

Store heifers (under 500kg) sold from €1.65/kg up to €2.47/kg.

Last week saw a rise in cull cows being brought forward for sale as George explained:

“Cow numbers increased last week, with over 120 cows on offer and a full clearance achieved.”

Continental-type cull cows traded from €1.40/kg to €1.95/kg, while Friesian-bred cows sold from €0.70/kg up to €1.50/kg.

Castlerea Mart

There was a big turnout of cattle in Castlerea Mart last week, according to the mart’s manager, Brendan Egan. The mart held its weekly sale of heifers and dry cows last Thursday (November 26).

Brendan stated: “The trade held firm and, in some cases, improved [for some classes of stock]. The heifer ring reported a good trade with forward-types in strong demand last week – while breeding stock were similar to previous week.”

Cows with calves at foot traded from €1,070/head up to €1,570/head, while springing cows made from €1,420 back to €900. According to Brendan: “The cow trade reported improvement also last week, with a good clearance taking place.”

The mart also hosted a sale of weanlings on Thursday, with Brendan highlighting a lot of “farmer activity” last week with the “quality lots” seeing an improved trade.

Brendan noted there was a “strong demand for all classes of stock” at the weekly sale of bullocks last Monday (November 23). In total, there was up to 150 steers on offer.

Carnew Mart

Carnew Mart hosted its final evening weanling sale last Wednesday (November 25). According to David Quinn, the mart’s manager, there was “excellent farmer demand” for both heifer and bull weanlings. In total, there was 180 weanlings on offer.

On the day, weanling bulls sold from €1.88/kg to €3.11/kg.

The mart also held a sale of 90 suckler cows and in-calf heifers. David highlighted a “strong demand” for these females. In-calf cows sold up to €1,600/head, while the in-calf heifers traded at highs of €1,480/head.