As well as launching the mart modernisation scheme, Creed addressed the farmers who were present and acknowledged the challenges faced by them given the current price issues across the commodities. He pledged to see what his department could do to alleviate pressure on farms.

As for mart activity, bullock numbers were back, with 165 bullocks on offer. These met a strong demand from buyers. Friesians broke the €2/kg mark again this week with some making up to €2.10/kg and many making over €1.90/kg.

Overall Friesian prices ranged from €220 to €570 with their weight.

  • Four Friesian @327kg - €685 ,€2.10kg
  • Six Friesian @550kg - €1,120, €2.04/kg
  • Four Friesian @371kg - €740, €2/kg
  • Three Friesian @365kg - €715, €1.96/kg
  • Four Friesian @403kg - €835, €2.07/kg
  • Prices for non-Friesian bullocks went from €320 to €640 over the €/kg

  • Two Belgian blue @345kg - €850, €2.46/kg
  • Six Hereford @331kg - €780, €2.36//kg
  • Three Angus @353kg - €860, €2.44/kg
  • Two Simmental @460kg - €1,085, €2.21/kg
  • Three Angus @418kg - €915, €2.19/kg
  • There were 90 heifers on offer with some stand out continental yearlings on offer. Forward butcher heifers sold in the €2.02 to €2.08/kg range. Heifer prices ranged from €400 to €800 with their weight.

    Sample prices

  • Two Angus @267kg - €660, €2.47/kg
  • Four Charolais @365kg - €1,000, €2.74/kg
  • Four Belgian blue @318kg - €750, €2.36/kg
  • Two Charolais @397kg - €1,070, €2.70/kg
  • Calf numbers were well back on last week slipping under the 1000 mark for the first time in months with 750 for sale. Friesian bull calves sold from €120 to €180 with stronger calves selling for up to €350. Friesian heifer calves sold from €150 with a group of January heifers making up to €440. Hereford and Angus bulls prices made from €180 to €450 and Hereford and Angus heifer calf prices ranged from €160 to €380. Continental bull calves sold for up to €525 with heifers making up to 420.

    Dry cow numbers were similar to last week with 160 on offer, with well fleshed and beef cross cows prices up on recent weeks. Prices ranged from €50 to €720 with their weight.

  • One Friesian @805kg - €1,450, €1.80/kg
  • One Friesian @690kg - €1,140, €1.65/kg
  • One Angus @840kg - €1,460, €1.74/kg
  • One Friesian @675kg - €1,040, €1.54/kg
  • One Charolais @670kg - €1,240, €1.85/kg
  • One Limousin @755kg - €1,470, €1.95/kg