Thursday’s sale at Castlerea Mart saw the last sale take place of 2018. Despite it being the last sale of the year, the number on offer was higher than expected and, according to mart manager Brendan Egan, the trade was strong.

In the last year or two, the number of cattle on offer in December has increased due to farmers holding cattle for the seven-month retention period for ANC payments and as some farmers are looking to sell before the year-end.

Brendan said that 2018 was a difficult year in the area. The fodder crisis in the summer meant that demand from customers from the midlands and south was low, which affected the trade. From September on, Brexit was the main issue that dampened the moods of farmers and led to a subdued trade.

Despite this, Brendan said that it was nice to see Thursday’s sale finish on a high note.

He added that demand for weanling heifers and bulls were well up, which was very positive to see.

“While we don’t know yet that the new year will bring in terms of the cattle trade, it is nice to see a little more positivity to end the year.’’

In addition to a slightly improved weanling trade, Brendan also said that farmer demand for good suckler outfits was a little better also.

Although there were not many good-quality young types on offer, average-quality cow and calf units sold easily enough for up to €1,650, which was an improvement on other weeks.

There were about 80 bullocks and the same amount of heifers on offer at the sale also.

Bullocks over 500kg sold from €1,125 to €1,290, with the majority of those on offer being better-quality types.

Plainer types sold from €900 upwards. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg were a little more variable, with prices ranging from €780 to close on €1,200/head for top-quality types.

Heavy heifers sold to €1,420, but the majority of good-quality types over 500kg made from €1,000 to €1,215/head. Weanling heifers were much improved, topping out at €1,495 for a 305kg Blue heifer.

The majority of heifers over 300kg sold from €720 to €850/head. This was up slightly on recent weeks. Lighter heifers under 300kg were more variable, with quality being a bigger issue affecting prices.

Weanling bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €685 to €1,055, with the majority of better-quality types making from €820 upwards.

Commission rates are 1.9% to the seller and €9 to the buyer.