Monday’s general cattle sale at Thurles Mart saw a good entry of stock on offer considering the time of year and the effects of drought in the area.

Like previous weeks, the best demand was for factory-fit and short-keep bullocks and heifers. Heavy bullocks over 600kg sold from €2.00/kg to €2.23/kg, while heavy heifers over 550kg sold from €1.95/kg to €2.14/kg.

Store heifers from 500kg to 550kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.18/kg. Lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €870 to €1,130. Continental weanling bulls were a strong trade and sold from €2.10/kg to €2.60/kg.

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Demand for overage heifers and poorer-quality types with poor weight for age was low. Store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg were more common and better-quality traditional breeds sold from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg, while Friesians made €1.55/kg to €1.80/kg.

There was a small entry of cull cows and these were all Friesians and straight from the parlour.

Age and the covering of flesh were the two main factors affecting prices, which ranged mainly from €0.90/kg to €1.12/kg. Boner cows sold back to €200 under the weight.

There was an entry of approximately 20 calves with strong demand for all aged types.

Commission rates are €9 for multiples and €10 for singles and €10 to the buyer.