Saturday’s cattle sale at New Ross Mart saw another good trade for all better-quality stock. All continental cattle were a strong trade, with farmer and feeder activity well improved due to improved fodder situations on most farms.

Mart manager Richard Kirwan said that the best trade was for coloured cattle over 500kg, which sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg for R grades.

The number of cows on offer is a little lower than a month ago, but demand is said to be very strong, with plenty of farmers active for all good-quality feeding cows.

The majority of feeding cows straight from the parlour are making from the weight to €150 over.

Monday night’s weanling sale saw a flying trade for all types, with farmers the driving force behind the trade.

Weanling heifers were not met with as strong of demand as bulls, and light Friesian, Angus and whiteheads were the toughest trades.

Richard said that the sheep sale saw very strong store lamb demand, much improved on a month ago. He said that the majority of stores on offer were over 35kg and these sold from €75 to €92/head. Factory lambs sold mainly from €92 to €103/head, while butchers lambs made from €103 to €106. Cull ewes were a little easier.