Last Friday, Gort Mart held a special show and sale which saw a massive entry of 600 cattle. In total, there was a clearance rate of about 94%, with only 40 cattle unsold.

The best demand on the day was for heavy, slaughter-fit and short-keep types. There were factory agents, Northern buyers and feeders active for those types of cattle, while strong farmer demand kept a firm floor under the prices of all other types.

Mart manager Bernie Fahey said that farmers were very happy with the trade and the prices they achieved.

Forward bullocks over 600kg sold from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg for good-quality types and back to €2.10/kg for plainer cattle. Those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.45/kg, while lighter store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.60/kg.

The heifer trade saw forward bullocks over 600kg sell from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg, while lighter heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg, with top-quality types making up to €2.55/kg.

Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg with top-quality types making up to €2.50/kg or €1150 for 450kg. Commission rates are €10 to the buyer and 1.5% to 1.7% to the seller.

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