Wednesday’s sale at Kilcullen Mart saw a stronger trade for all types of cattle. While prices were a little higher, cattle were much easier sold than three weeks to a month ago.

The best demand was for good-quality continental bullocks and heifers, but cull cows carrying flesh were a strong trade also.

One of the standout features of the trade in the past week or two has been the improvement in plainer-quality cattle. While they have not seen too much of a price increase, they are much easier sold.

Continental store bullocks sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.30/kg, with plainer stock and dairy-crosses making from €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg.

The heifer trade was quite similar to the bullock trade, with the majority of store heifers over 480kg selling from €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg for dairy-crosses and average-quality continentals, while better-quality types sold mainly from €2.00/kg upwards.

Cull cows were a steady trade. The majority of those on offer were store cows suitable for further feeding.

Again, like cattle, plainer and older cows were the weakest trade, selling from €1.20/kg to €1.40/kg, with better-quality feeding cows making from €1.60/kg upwards.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €9 to €17 to the seller, depending on sale value.