Store heifers sell up to €2.73/kg at Kilkenny Mart

It was a quiet period in most cattle marts this week. As Covid-19 cases continued to rise, most marts made the decision to postpone their first sale of 2021 until next week.

However, Kilkenny Mart mart returned to action this week on Thursday (January 7) with the mart’s auctioneer, George Candler, reporting that small numbers were present – as snowfall had prevented a number of farmers who had entered cattle from travelling to the mart.

Commenting on the trade, he stated: “The limited amount of animals on offer met a good selling trade, resulting in almost a 100% clearance.

Prices were sharper especially for cattle with flesh and cull cows. This sale would suggest there are still many potential buyers looking to source cattle.

Taking a look at the cull cow trade, Friesian-bred cows were sold from €1.55/kg back to €0.90/kg, while continental cows were selling at €1.30-2.05/kg.

Forward-type and heavy bullocks (over 600kg) were reaching highs of €2.35/kg and easing back to €1.70/kg. While store bullocks weighing 500-600kg and 400-500kg sold from €1.70/kg up to €2.40/kg and €2.30/kg, respectively.

Of the lighter store bullocks (under 400kg) on offer, they proved to be a solid trade with the top price reported to be €2.60/kg as they sold back to €1.60/kg.

Taking a look at the females, the beef heifers were selling at €1.90-2.30/kg. Forward stores were ranging from €1.85/kg up to €2.35/kg. The lighter stores topped the trade it seems as prices up to €2.75/kg were recorded, as they eased back to €1.70/kg.