There was just under 600 lots of cattle sold at the general sale in Kilkenny Mart on Thursday last.

Mart manager Michael Lynch said: “Considering where the beef thing is at the minute, prices are holding fairly well. Most of the farmers that are selling seem to be fairly satisfied and I think they understand that the people buying are in a very difficult position too.”

Lighter store bullocks ranging from 350kg to 400kg sold for an average price of €2.00/kg. That was a strong 30c/kg jump from the week prior. Those from 400kg to 500kg sold for €1.88/kg on average, with the top animals on quality regularly making north of €2.20/kg.

Stores in the 500kg to 600kg bracket were unchanged from last week. The average was €1.91/kg, but, once again, buyers needed to go to €2.20/kg to secure the better-quality animal. Heavy stores over 600kg averaged €1.75/kg.

Light weanling heifers from 350kg to 400kg averaged €1.85/kg. Better-quality lots made €2.20/kg and upward. From 400kg to 500kg, the best types secured €2.15/kg and over, while the average animal went for €1.85/kg. Forward store heifers weighing over 500kg averaged a strong price of €1.90/kg. That’s 15c/kg more than the average one week ago. Well-conditioned R+ and U grading heifers made €2.10/kg. Commission in the mart is €12 to €15 to the seller and €10 to the buyer.