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Monday’s sale at Dungarvan Mart saw another very large number on offer. Mart manager Ger Flynn said that the sales have been colossal over the past few weeks, with much higher numbers coming out than previous years.
In terms of the trade, he said that it has been good, driven predominantly by farmer buyers sourcing for grass. However, he said that the past week has seen grass growth rates dip a little in his area. Along with this, buyers are starting to fill up with stock.
Because the mart is primarily in a dairy area, the majority of cattle are Friesian, Angus and Hereford. But there is also a good share of continental cattle passing through the mart.
In terms of prices, he said that average-quality Angus stores around 400kg are selling for around €900 on average, with continentals making from €2.00/kg to €2.40/kg, depending on quality. The best demand continues to be for forward and finished cattle and cows.
In terms of the cow trade, Ger said that the majority of Friesian cows they are getting at the moment are well-fed and good-quality stores and those who are selling these better-displayed types are getting rewarded for it.
Commission rates are 1.5% to the seller to a maximum of €9.50 and €9 to the buyer.
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