Steady is the best way to describe trade in Bandon this week, a complete contrast to the corresponding sale this time last year, which was the first sale after the UK had its Brexit referendum.

Last year saw a bit of apprehension around younger stock, while forward cattle weren’t as badly affected.

Demand was maintained for forward cattle, with most of the bullocks in this category selling in the €1.84/kg to €2.10/kg bracket.

Bullocks

There was a good selection of 2016-born bullocks, with a good share between 400kg and 500kg. Most in this age range were Friesians and they sold in general from €1.70/kg to €1.92/kg. Traditional beef breeds were making from €1.90/kg to €2.25/kg, with continentals making up to €3/kg.

Overall, in a sale of over 200 bullocks, Friesians made between €200 and €510 with their weight and Hereford and Angus bullocks sold for between €360 and €835 over the €/kg.

Continental cattle were scarce in number, but more than made up for this in quality, making between €590 and €800 with their weight.

Sample prices - bullocks:

  • Two Angus, July 2014, 772kg - €1,610, €2.09/kg.
  • Four Angus, March 2015, 595kg - €1,200, €2.02/kg.
  • Three Hereford, May 2015, 603kg - €1,250, €2.07/kg.
  • One Charolais, July 2015, 650kg - €1,250, €1.92/kg.
  • Five Friesian, February 2015, 591kg - €1,100, €1.86/kg.
  • Two Charolais, May 2016, 400kg - €1,200, €3/kg.
  • Three Limousin, April 2016, 405kg - €1,100, €2.72/kg.
  • Two Hereford, March 2016, 427kg - €860, €2.01/kg.
  • Four Angus, February 2016, 461kg - €960, €2.08/kg.
  • Five Friesian, February 2016, 402kg - €770, €1.92/kg.

    • Cows

    Meanwhile, cow numbers were up slightly this week, with no change in the demand for well-fleshed Friesian cows.

    They continue to make between €250 and €400 with their weight. There was a few extra feeder cows on offer compared with recent sales and they sold from €1.15/kg to €1.30/kg.

    There was about 70 cows on offer and they sold from €80 to €625 over the €/kg.

    Sample prices - cows

  • One Friesian 575kg - €905, €1.57/kg.
  • One Friesian 695kg - €1,140, €1.64/kg.
  • One Friesian 640kg - €960, €1.50/kg.
  • One Friesian 740kg - €1,050, €1.42/kg.
  • One Charolais 540kg - €950, €1.67/kg.
  • One Limousin 555kg - €1,180, €2,13/kg.

    • Read more

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