Camera at the mart was at last Monday’s special bullock sale at Carlow Mart. There was a strong entry of over 400 bullocks on offer on the day. Mart manager James Walsh said that the sale was strong for good-quality cattle.

Drier conditions in the area over the previous weeks has led to steady demand and supply of cattle through the mart. He said that those selling heavy cattle were satisfied with the trade and almost a 100% clearance was achieved.

In terms of lighter cattle, he said that those farmers who were selling lighter stores around 500kg were getting the cream in terms of prices at the moment.

There was strong factory agent demand for all top-quality slaughter-fit bullocks. For these heavy lots over 700kg, prices of €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg were common and farmers were happy to offload at the prices.

Top-quality bullocks over 600kg were met with strong feeder demand also and sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.15/kg for average-quality types. Top-quality cattle in the same weight category made from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg.

Farmers were active again for stores on the day. James said that prices continue to be steady on previous weeks. Store cattle from 450kg to 550kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg, with top-quality types making up to €2.40/kg.

Angus and Hereford store cattle from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg for average-quality types, with prices of up to €2.15/kg paid for good-quality Herefords at the top of the market.

James commented that, in the past few months, buyers have increased their focus on buying in-spec cattle. He added that those which were ticking all the boxes in terms of age, weight and movements were fetching price premiums of approximately 10c to 15c/kg on those which were not meeting the requirements. He said that despite out-of-spec cattle fetching lower prices, buyers were still active.

In terms of light weanlings from 300kg to 350kg, James said that prices of €2.50/kg were common and top-quality types were coming close to €3.00/kg. Those from 350kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.60/kg.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €9 to €17 to the seller depending on sale value.