Carnross Mart’s sale on Monday evening was described by mart manager Pat Larmer as bucking the trend for the time of year.

Pat says that sale entries in recent weeks have been much higher than usual, with some farmers happy to keep cattle moving to take advantage of a firm trade, while buyers at the ringside are buoyed by firm beef prices and keen to replenish numbers after moving slaughter-fit stock.

Pat says that while Tuesday’s sale is termed as a weanling and suckler sale, it has also developed into a good sales outlet for forward-store feeding bulls and slaughter-fit bulls.

This was reflected in a 755kg Charolais-cross bull selling for €1,675, or €2.22/kg.

Bulls over 600kg sold in general from €2/kg to €2.25/kg, with a number of specialist finishers active. These buyers were also active for lighter bulls, with good-quality bulls suitable for killing in an under-16-month system sought after.

Prices for bulls weighing 430kg to 550kg ranged from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for U grading lots, with small numbers rising to €2.60/kg. Lesser-quality bulls sold back to €2/kg.

The trend was similar for lighter bulls, with nice quality bulls weighing 350kg upwards selling on average from €2.40/kg to €2.70/kg, while lighter bulls sold to €3/kg for the best-quality lots. Plainer-quality lots with poor weight for age sold from €2/kg to €2.30/kg.

The heifer trade was also lively, with good-quality continental heifers and choice lots suitable for breeding the best trade.

Pat reported top-quality weanling heifers weighing 300kg to 350kg selling from €2.60/kg to over €2.90/kg, while the best-quality lots weighing less than 300kg hit €3/kg.

Heavier heifers weighing over 400kg sold from €2.30/kg to €2.70/kg on average, with dairy crossbreds and plainer-quality lots selling back to €2.15/kg.

The trade for cows with calves at foot is variable, with a big difference in price between young cows with strong calves at foot and gone back in calf and older cows. Cows with calves at foot at last week’s sale sold in general from €1,200 to a top of €1,690.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €13 to €15 to the seller.

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Cattle prices: trade keeps ticking along nicely at marts