While numbers were slightly back for Tuesday’s general sale in Nenagh Mart, prices for store cattle did not move in the same direction. Speaking to mart manager Michael Harty after the sale, he described the trade as “better”.

“Numbers were certainly back for the week, but we would expect that coming into the middle of November,” he said.

This pair of Simmental-cross bullocks, born March and May 2018 and averaging 500kg sold for €870 (€1.74/kg).

“I’d certainly say store cattle are dearer for the last two weeks. I’d be inclined to think that a good few people were holding back to see what unfolded after 31 October. Now that it’s more settled, farmers have to buy numbers for the winter – especially with plenty of feeding around.”

A clearance rate exceeding 90% was achieved.

This pair of Belgian Blue-cross bullocks, born January and April 2018 and averaging 445kg sold for €845 (€1.90/kg).

In the bullock ring, trade was sharp, with higher prices for white-head cattle particularly evident. Bullocks from 400kg to 500kg averaged €1.64/kg. Friesians started at €1.20/kg and went up to €1.45/kg for better grading types.

Dairy-cross Herefords and Angus started at €1.62/kg and went to €1.76/kg. Continentals ranged between €1.80/kg and €2/kg.

This pair of Friesian bullocks, born March and April 2018 and averaging 492kg sold for €715 (€1.45/kg).

Those from 500kg to 600kg averaged €1.52/kg. Friesian cattle put a floor on the price at €1.23/kg and climbed to €1.49/kg. Three lots of Hereford bullocks – comprising 17 cattle between 510kg and 530kg – were the standout, selling for between €1.75/kg and €1.86/kg.

Heavy bullocks weighing 600kg-plus averaged €1.45/kg.

This Hereford-cross bullock, born March 2017 and weighing 625kg sold for €810 (€1.30/kg).

Heifers

In the female ring, store heifers went well. From 400kg to 500kg, the average was €1.77/kg. Nice-quality heifers were making over €1.85/kg though, and €1.93/kg was the top price. Poorer lots sold for less than €1.70/kg.

This Friesian cow, born January 2011 and weighing 650kg sold for €590 (€0.91/kg).

Heavier store heifers from 500kg to 600kg averaged €1.76/kg. Some excellent-quality continentals drove the top price up to €1.99/kg. All continentals made over €1.85/kg. Dairy-crosses were back around €1.70/kg.

This Friesian cow, born March 2011 and weighing 620kg sold for €640 (€1.03/kg).

Cull cows were the last around the ring, with a total of 20 sold. A handful of Jersey-crosses couldn’t cross the €0.50/kg mark, but Friesians ranged from €0.70/kg to a top price of €1.44/kg for a solid 515kg cow. Well-fleshed Friesians made over €1/kg.

Commission was €9 to the buyer and €10 to €15 for the seller.

This pair of Charolais-cross heifers, born February and March 2018 and averaging 537kg sold for €1,070 (€1.99/kg).