Castlerea Mart held its weekly cattle sale on Thursday last (August 27). Brendan Egan, the mart’s manager, said that a large number of stock was presented for sale.

He highlighted that the trade has held up well despite the challenging conditions under foot.

“The bullocks were a very lively trade with strong farmer activity and northern demand also; lighter quality stores – in particular – were met with some fancy prices,” he said.

Heifers and dry cows were reported to sell well, with a good clearance rate achieved. Additionally, he noted that the weanling rings witnessed larger numbers.

“Weanling bulls topped out at €3.46/kg and weanling heifers reached a peak of €3.59/kg, with strong export demand visible.

“Also, increased numbers of runners met a flier of a trade with farmers anxious to replace sold lots,” he added.

Furthermore, cows with calves at foot made €1,160-1,720/unit, with springers selling up to €1,400/head.

As mentioned above, an increased number of runners were on offer on Thursday, Aberdeen Angus and Hereford types making €350-570/head, while continental lots hit €910/head; this was paid for a three-month-old Charolais runner, Brendan said.