Camera at the mart was at last Friday’s general cattle sale at Tullow Mart. Mart manager Eric Driver commented on an excellent day’s trade, with an increased presence of farmers buying around the ring, as well as feedlot buyers.

Improved weather and grazing conditions, as well as a steady beef price, have seen more farmer buyers returning to the mart in the past few weeks to purchase forward cattle suited to a short keep and finish.

Many of these farmers had been buying lighter stores for grazing and are now back buying more cattle.

Numbers presented for sale were down slightly on previous weeks, but are still good for the time of year, with weekly sales of 600 to 700 head. Overall, there was still a good showing of all cattle types, with plenty of quality animals.

Continental stores weighing 550kg to 600kg were a good trade, selling from €2.10/kg up to €2.30/kg for good-quality U grade animals. Angus and Hereford cattle were less in demand from farmers, but saw plenty of bidding from feedlot buyers. Prices paid typically ranged from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg.

Friesian cattle over 500kg sold closer to €2/kg, with the more extreme Holstein types a much harder sell.

Lighter stores or strong autumn weanlings were met with an excellent demand by farmer buyers. Well-bred Charolais and Limousin types sold at a general run of €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg. Some exceptional animals sold to €2.90/kg.

Beef cows suited for a quick finish sold well, with general prices of €1,100 to €1,250/head.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and a minimum of €10 or 1.5% to the seller.