There was close to a 100% clearance rate in Tullamore Mart for its suckler and weanling sale on Monday night last.
Demand was very strong for in-calf sucklers at the Co Offaly venue. Prices of €3,000 to €4,800 were the going rate for good-quality suckler stock, with some with a dairy background making back to €2,500.
At the opposite end, heavier dry cows were making from €1,900 to €2,700.
Trade has been very steady for weanlings too with €5.50/kg to €7/kg available for most suckler-bred bulls and heifers.
Following the sale, manager Antoinette Daly said: “The weanling trade has been excellent all through the autumn and has been very steady throughout.
“We’re probably seeing more of the plainer type of both bulls and heifers lately, which would be normal enough for the time of year, but there’s no shortage of demand.
“We’re still getting big numbers and there’s no let-up in the demand. We had over 600 here on Monday and we’ve cattle booked in every week right up until 15 December.
“We thought they’d be easing off given we were so busy all summer, but the prices are drawing them out. Farmers can’t get over some of the prices they’re getting and it’s great to see it.”
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