Tullow Livestock Marts held its weekly cattle sale on Friday (July 24), where the trade "held firm" as concerns about the ongoing drought dominated ringside discussions.

In a mart report published after the sale, the trade was described as holding steady for store cattle, while beef cattle saw another "strong" trade.

Store heifers weighing from 280-390kg sold for €1,170-€1,700 per head.

Factory agents were reported to be less active in Tullow this week compared to the heightened activity seen over the last month, but all stock were still purchased.

Beef heifers ranging in weights from 400-700kg sold for €1,650-€2,900 per head.

The price/kg went up to €4.10/kg. This was down from last week's top call of €4.23/kg but averages remained consistent with last week's trade.

Some sample prices for heifers from the day include:

Two Belgian Blue heifers weighing 677kg sold for €2,300/head at €3.40/kg;
A Charolais-cross heifer weighing 620kg sold for €2,290 at €3.70/kg;
An Angus-cross heifer weighing 555kg sold for €1,980 at €3.57/kg.

This drop in heavier cattle price was seen in other marts around the south-east as well.

Store bullocks saw prices from €1,220-€2,280/head and weighed between 440-550kg.

Beef bullocks ranging in weights from 600-850kg sold for between €2,160-€3,450/head.

The average weight per kg saw prices from €3.50-€4.20/kg, down marginally by 5c/kg on last week's top call/kg.

Beef bulls weighing from 830-945kg sold for between €2,600-€3,450/head at €3.80/kg-€4.10/kg. The top call went to a Limousin-cross bull weighing 845kg sold for €3,450.

On the impact of the drought, Tullow Mart manager Eric Driver said that it was a factor where "some stronger types offered for sale" but was not the sole factor.

On the demand for these heavier cattle. Drivers added: "The sales ring did show strong competition from factory feedlots on Friday for the stronger types."

Continental cull cows weighing from 640-925kg on the day sold for €1,600-€3,100/head. The top call went to a Limousin-cross cow weighing 920kg sold for €3,100 at €3.70/kg.

Some other sample prices for cows include:

A Charolais-cross cow weighing 920kg sold for €2,820 at €3.07/kg;
A Belgian Blue-cross cow weighing 640kg sold for €2,160 at €3.38/kg.

In addition, Friesian cull cows weighing from 600-820kg sold for €1,380-€2,550/head.

Tullow Mart saw calves sell from €270-€580/head, up significantly on last week's top call of €390/head.

One Charolais-cross calf sold for €540, while another Angus calf sold for €440.