There was a perfect storm of quality stock and strong ringside demand last Wednesday 16 September at the sale in Camlough Mart, run by South Armagh Farming Enterprises Ltd.

In total, 440 lots were presented, clearing at 98%, with only 14% of animals being sold online.

According to mart manager Brian McKeown, the recent lift in beef prices has filtered through to the marts.

“There is high demand for weanlings and store cattle. Prices for well-fleshed cattle are also up on previous weeks,” he confirmed.

Heavy beef cattle last Wednesday sold to £3,190 (417p/kg) for a March 2024-born 765kg Limousin. This was followed by £3,080 (407p/kg) for a June 2024-born 755kg Charolais.

Fat cows

Fat cows topped out at £2,860 (386p/kg) for a 740kg July 2016-born Limousin animal.

The optimism around the trade fed through to the younger stock, with high per-kilogramme prices across the weights.

Stores peaked at £2,180 (463p/kg) for an April 2025-born 470kg Limousin. A July 2025-born Charolais at 390kg made £1,860 (476p/kg).

Suckler-bred weanlings peaked at a per-kilogramme price of 628p/kg, which was paid for a 264kg March 2026-born Charolais at £1,660.

Heavier bulls around 400kg generally sold between £1,600 and £1,800, or around the 420p/kg mark.

Some dairy-bred Belgian Blue stores also went through both rings.

Lighter 380kg to 450kg lots made prices of around 320p/kg, while heavier lots weighing around 500kg generally sold for 300p/kg.