Cattle trade has strengthened in recent weeks at Roscommon Mart, with "renewed confidence" returning to the ring, according to mart manager Tony Conry.

Speaking to Agriland at the mart's general cattle sale, Conry said demand for store cattle has improved after a quieter period earlier this year, with prices now above the "€4/kg mark for good-quality forward stores."

He stated: "The beef trade is probably struggling slightly yet, but demand has increased over the last couple of weeks and we hope to see that continue heading into the back end of the year."

The mart manager also described the current sheep trade as "very solid", with strong demand continuing for both finished and store lambs.

According to Conry, Roscommon Mart is currently handling around 800 sheep each week.

"Forward lambs in the 48-50kg mark are making between €200-€210.

"Store lambs have just started to come out in the last couple of weeks and they're averaging between €145-€160, with a good demand for ewe lambs."

Anniversary

Looking ahead, Roscommon Mart will be marking its 67th year in business at their weanling sale next Tuesday (July 28), marking more than six decades of trading in the west of Ireland.

Conry noted that the mart continues to enjoy strong support from both local farmers and buyers as it prepares for a busy autumn season.

He commented: "There's been some challenging times over the years, but we're going very well at the moment.

"We're starting into our autumn trade now and we have 25 pens of weanling bulls booked for Tuesday night, alongside 10 pens of heifers as well."

With well over half a century under its belt, Conry stated that Roscommon Mart hopes "to continue on for another 67 years".