Last Monday’s sale at Tuam Mart saw an increased entry of over 550 head on offer for the bank holiday sale. Mart manager Marian Devane said that farmers were particularly active on the day.

Forward bullocks and heifers that were factory-fit were snapped up by factory agents. The main drivers of the sale were farmers, particularly those buying for grass.

Marian said that store bullocks from 500kg to 600kg were in strong demand and average-quality types made from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg on average, with U grade bullocks selling to as much as €2.50/kg. Lighter store bullocks were met with brisk demand also, again backed by farmer demand and sold from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg, with better-quality types selling to over €2.55/kg.

The heifer trade was particularly strong and those with breeding potential were in demand. Some Northern buyers were somewhat active also.

Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg, with U grades making over €2.50/kg. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg were met with firm demand also and average-quality types sold frequently from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg, with U grades making over €2.75/kg.

There were exporters present and active for some good-quality weanlings, but in most cases, farmers drove prices out of reach.

Weanling bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.60, with the top third in terms of quality making from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg.

Weanling heifers were a particularly strong trade. Heifers from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg, with lighter types making from €2.60/kg to €2.80/kg.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 1.75% to the seller.