Last week, a sense of normality returned to marts across the country, as buyers were allowed back ringside. Their presence led to a strong demand for stock, as many farmers seemed to have been waiting for restrictions to ease in marts before selling their excess stock.
To get a bit of insight into the trade last week, AgriLand caught up with David Quinn of Carnew Mart to see what the trade was like at the Wicklow-based mart’s dairy sale last Thursday (December 3). The sale saw 205 head of cattle brought forward for sale.
Speaking on the sale, David Quinn, the mart’s manager, stated: “The sale was much larger than what we had expected, with all stock being sold.
The sale consisted of: 80% Holstein Friesians; 15% Jersey-crosses; and 5% Montbelliarde and Fleckvieh-bred cattle on the day.
“There was a strong demand seen across the board for all the classes of cattle, although spring-calving dairy heifers were in highest demand.
“There was high-quality stock on offer, with in-calf heifers making up to €1,680, while lesser-quality heifers eased back to €1,100.
“The top price of the day didn’t go to a spring-calving heifer, instead, it went to a freshly-calved heifer – that sold for €2,350.
“All in all, the trade was very good, especially for those freshly-calved heifers and in-calf heifers.”
Sale price ranges at Carnew Mart’s dairy sale last week:
- Freshly-calved heifers: €1,300-2,350;
- In-calf heifers: €1,100-1,680;
- In-calf cows: €850-1,250;
- Cows in-milk (not in-calf): €700-1,000;
- Maiden heifers: €720-840;
- Heifer calves: €250-310.