Ballymote Mart in Co Sligo held a special bullock sale on Thursday last. Manager Stephen Hannon reported a sharp increase in demand from farmers sourcing cattle for summer grazing systems. Demand was firm across all classes, leading to close to a full clearance.

The 191 bullocks on offer were made up mainly of Charolais (61), Limousin (57) and Aberdeen Angus (49). Good-quality continental stores weighing 400kg to 500kg sold from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg on average, with the best-quality lots rising to €2.60/kg or slightly higher. Plainer-quality lots sold back to €2.15/kg, with small numbers below this range.

Bullocks weighing 500kg to 600kg met a brisk trade and sold in a similar price range, with 600kg-plus bullocks selling from €2.00/kg to €2.30/kg. There was a big variation in price paid for Angus bullocks. An entry of quality bullocks weighing 380kg to 500kg averaged €2.28/kg (range of €1.84/kg to €2.74/kg), with heavier bullocks weighing 550kg to 680kg averaging €1.98/kg (range €1.57/kg to €2.44/kg), while lots weighing over 600kg averaged €2.00/kg. The sale on Thursday 4 April includes a special out-to-grass heifer sale, while next week’s sale on Thursday 11 April includes a special weanling and dry cow sale.

Commission rates are 2% to the seller (max €22) plus €2 entry fee and €10 to the buyer.