Camera at the mart was at last Thursday’s sale at Ennis Mart. There was another strong entry of good-quality cattle on the day, which rose to meet very strong demand.

Mart manager Martin McNamara said that the number on offer last week was about 20% higher than the same sale last year. He said that the flow of cattle coming through the mart has been stronger over the last few months.

Farmer demand was very strong again last Thursday for all types of stock. While there was some exporter activity for weanlings at Tuesday’s sale, demand from them was not as strong as it was last four to six weeks. Farmers were the main source of demand for forward store cattle.

Heavy bullocks over 600kg were a strong trade, according to Martin, with average-quality types selling from €2.15/kg to €2.25/kg, while better-quality U grades made as much as €2.30/kg.

There was strong demand for store bullocks also. Those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality lots, while U grades made over €2.50/kg. Plain Angus and Hereford types sold from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg.

Martin said that buyers sourcing for grass were active for those from 400kg to 500kg also and prices were firm on last week.

The one striking point from Tuesday’s weanling sale was that the average price paid for weanlings was identical to the same week last year.

The heifer trade was said to be brisk also. Those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg, with better-quality types making as much as €2.50/kg. Lighter types sold from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality types.

Weanling bulls from 300kg to 400kg made from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg for the average bull, while heavier types sold from €2.35/kg to €2.45/kg for average-quality types, with top-quality export weanlings selling in excess of €3/kg.

Weanling heifers from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.45/kg, with top-quality types making up to €3/kg.

Martin said that demand for cull cows was firm. Forward feeding cows were met with good demand. Fleshed and short-keep types made from €1.85/kg to €2.00/kg. Commission rates are 1.4% to the seller to a maximum of €13 for singles and 1.2% to a maximum of €11 for doubles, and €9 to the buyer.