Last Friday’s sale at Cootehill Mart saw a very large entry of over 600 cattle on offer. The large sale was due to a carry-over of stock as no sale took place the previous Friday.

Mart manager Jimmy O’Reilly said that the trade was very strong, backed by firm grass buyer, feeder and exporter demand.

Feeders continue to buy forward bulls, with those from 400kg to 500kg making from €1,120 to €1,260 for those over 500kg. However, the numbers of these on offer are not very large.

Forward heifers over 400kg sold to €1,255 for 400kg for a Limousin five-star heifer with breeding potential.

The main supply of bulls and heifers was from 300kg to 400kg in weight. Farmer buyers were the most active for these, with dry conditions and grass surpluses boosting demand from all areas. The result was a steady trade price-wise on previous weeks, with the average bull making from €750 to €1,000/head. Heifers sold at similar prices, with the majority of stock on offer good-quality continental cattle.

Lighter weanling bulls and heifers under 300kg sold mainly from €650 to €850, with better-quality types making up to €1,000. Suck calves sold from €120 to €355 for Herefords and from €220 to €280 for Angus calves, with Friesians making from €50 to €180.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €16 to €20 to the seller, depending on sale price.

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A guide to special and upcoming sales in the marts in the coming weeks.