Tuesday’s general cattle sale at Nenagh Mart saw a smaller entry of stock on offer, as numbers have tailed off. Mart manager Michael Harty said that demand was stronger this week, with more farmer buyers active at the ringside.

This Shorthorn-cross bullock, born June 2018 and weighing 410kg, sold for €785 (€1.91/kg).

There was some feedlot buyer activity, but farmers drove the trade. With lower numbers and stronger demand, this has resulted in sharper trade across the board.

This Belgian Blue-cross heifer, born November 2018 and weighing 375kg, sold for €710 (€1.89/kg).

Michael said that the best improvement in prices was for plainer-quality cattle and, in particular, Friesians.

Store Friesian bullocks are now selling from €1.40/kg to as much as €1.70/kg for top-quality types. This marks an increase of 10c to 20c/kg on recent weeks.

This Charolais-cross heifer, born July 2017 and weighing 470kg, sold for €860 (€1.83/kg).

In terms of the general run of store bullocks, they sold mainly from €1.70/kg to €1.90/kg for Angus and Herefords, with continentals making up to €2.20/kg.

This Friesian cull cow, born 2015 and weighing 565kg, sold for €620 (€1.10/kg)

Michael said that prices paid for heifers are running slightly ahead of bullocks and they are ranging mainly from €1.80/kg to €2.30/kg, with the continental reaching the higher end of prices.

There were a share of cull cows on offer also, but Michael said that numbers are running well back on the same time last year.

This Friesian cull cow, born 2013 and weighing 665kg sold for €660 (€0.93/kg).

Friesians are selling from €0.90/kg to €1.20/kg, with continentals selling to close on €1,100/head.