Monday’s sale at Birr Mart saw a good entry of 300 cattle on offer. According to mart manager Michael Harty, the trade was quite strong once again, with plenty of buyers still active.

In terms of cattle supply this spring, Michael said that March was a poor month on account of the weather. However, April and May made up for it, with strong numbers continuing in recent weeks.

The previous week’s sale saw a bumper entry of stock on account of the bank holiday, so numbers on Monday were back slightly on account of that.

In terms of the trade, Michael said that demand continues to be very strong, with continental cattle being met with the strongest demand.

At the top of the market, the best price of €1,510 was paid for a 575kg Limousin bullock. However, Michael added that the number of forward bullocks and heifers has dropped significantly in recent weeks.

Continental stores were a strong trade, with many of those from 400g to 500kg selling from €1,000 to €1,150/head.

Lighter continental weanlings sold mainly from €800 to €950 for 330kg to 350kg.

Michael said that a group of good-quality Friesian bullocks around 390kg sold for €710, which is about €1.82/kg.

Lighter groups of Friesian bullocks were a little easier than heavier types, according to Michael, with those from 310kg to 350kg selling mainly from €1.60/kg to €1.70/kg. He added that at these prices, these cattle could be value.

Angus and Hereford stores from 400kg to 480kg sold mainly from €950 to €1,060 for better-quality types, while some groups of lighter types under 280kg made up to €2.30/kg.

Michael said that where black bulls over 210kg and up to 300kg that met the age requirements were on offer, exporters were quite actively sourcing these also, with prices of good-quality 280kg to 290kg animals reaching over €800 on several occasions. Demand for equivalent-weight black bullocks was not quite as strong.

The numbers of cull cows on offer has started to dry up and the trade is holding firm.

The majority of continental feeding cows sold from €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg, while fleshed Friesians made from €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €10 to €15 to the seller.