Last Saturday’s cattle and sheep sale in Dowra Mart, Co Cavan, was reduced by about 100 head due to frost and poor road conditions. Manager Terry McGovern reported buyer activity unaffected, with stronger competition for an entry of 470 head leading to brisk demand for the second-last cattle and sheep sale of the season.

Light bull and heifer weanlings weighing under 300kg sold in the main from €2.30/kg to €2.80/kg, with higher-quality U=/+ types selling to €3.40/kg, while small numbers of lesser-quality lots sold back to €2.00/kg.

Heavier continental bulls weighing 360+kg sold from €2.00/kg to €2.60/kg.

Forward store bullocks ranged in price from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg for lesser-quality or aged bullocks, while good-quality R and U grading bullocks sold from €2.15/kg to a top of €2.40/kg. Heifers followed a similar price pattern, with slaughter-fit animals selling from €2.05/kg to €2.30/kg. Demand for dry cows was brisk. Slaughter-fit and short-keep continental cows sold from €1.80/kg to €1.95/kg, with a selection of top-quality lots to €2.00/kg, while feeding cows sold from €1.65/kg to €1.80/kg.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 2% to the seller.

Darren Carty