Carnew Mart in Co. Wicklow held its weekly cattle trade on Monday (August 24), as 720 cattle went through the ring with trade remaining steady.

The store cattle trade held firm, as grass growth continues to have the biggest impact on sales.

Store heifers were more likely to break €4.00/kg than beef heifers on the day.

Two 279kg Limousin-cross heifers sold for €1,160/head at €4.16/kg, while three Limousin-cross heifers weighing on average 487kg, sold for €2,020/head at €4.15/kg.

Prices for forward and store heifers are listed below:

A Limousin-cross heifer weighing 580kg sold for €2,270 at €3.91/kg;
A 594kg Limousin-cross heifer sold for €2,200 at €3.70/kg;
A 590kg Limousin-cross heifer sold for €2,200 at €3.73/kg
Two 574kg Limousin-cross heifers sold for €2,190/head at €3.82/kg.

Beef and forward store cattle saw a notable improvement in prices with a strong demand seen throughout.

Notable prices from the bullock ring are listed below:

A 766kg Limousin-cross bullock sold for €2,860 at €3.73/kg;
Two 745kg Limousin-cross bullocks sold for €2,790/head at €3.74/kg;
A 734kg Limousin-cross bullock sold for €2,710 at €3.69/kg;
A 680kg Charolais-cross bullock sold for €2,560 at €3.76/kg;
A 500kg Belgian Blue-cross bullock sold for €2,030 at €4.06/kg;
A 446kg Limousin-cross bullock sold for €2,210 at €4.96/kg.

Beef and forward cows saw the best of the trade, as they improved by €50-€70/head.

A 1,038kg Charolais-cross cow made €3,540 at €3.41/kg, while another 898kg Charolais-cross cow made €3,160 at €3.52/kg. A 764kg Hereford-cross cow made €2,400 at €3.14/kg.

Feeders were noticeably anxious to secure the lighter, plainer cows, resulting in strong competition for these types.

Some sample prices from the sale include:

A 710kg Hereford cow made €2,390 at €3.37/kg;
A 628kg Limousin cow made €2,190 at €3.49/kg;
A 672kg Limousin-cross cow made €2,270 at €3.38/kg.

There was a smaller selection of bull weanlings on sale compared to last week, with prices ranging from €1,400-€2,560/head.

Stock bulls fetched from €1,980/head to a top price of €3,500/head.