The main camera at the mart was at last Friday’s special bullock sale at Roscommon Mart. Mart manager Maura Quigley said that there was a large entry of over 740 cattle on offer and the quality was very high. Maura said that the trade was a little easier than previous weeks, which resulted in a slightly reduced clearance rate of 90%.

In terms of demand, the main demand was from farmers and feeders, with customers from near and far actively sourcing stock.

Heavy bullocks over 600kg sold for close to €2.20/kg on average, with better-quality U grades selling from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg.

There were some plainer types on offer also, mainly Angus and Herefords, which sold for close to €2.00/kg.

There was a good entry of bullocks from 500kg to 600kg also, which were met with firm demand. Prices for these ranged from €2.35/kg to €2.45/kg for average-quality types, with the top third making over €2.60/kg or €1,430 for 550kg.

Farmer buyers were active for stores, again with better-quality types being more in demand.

The average 450kg continental steer sold for about €1,100, with plainer lots around the same weight making €1,000. Top-quality U grade stores in the same weight range sold for over €2.65/kg or €1,200 for 450kg.

There was a slightly smaller entry of heifers on offer, due mainly to the special bullock sale. Despite this, there was still good demand for all good-quality heifers, although plainer types were a little slower to sell at times.

Those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg for average-quality types, with U grades making over €2.30/kg or €1,265 for 550kg.

Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg were met with stronger prices on a per-kilo basis. The average heifer made €2.20/kg or just under €1,000/head, while top-quality heifers sold for up to €2.60/kg.

There was a good entry of dry cows once again and prices ran to €1,450 for a top-quality slaughter-fit cow.

The majority of feeding cows sold from €300 to €400 over the weight, with better-quality cows making €500 to €600 over. Commission rates are €9 to the buyer along with a €2 entry fee and 1.9% to the seller.