Roscrea Mart’s annual fatstock show and sale recorded exceptional prices with 10 cows and eight heifers topping the €2,000 per head mark.

Over 70 more heifers and cows sold from €1,600 to €1,990, with sale prices in many cases €80 to €100 or even more ahead of equivalent factory prices.

Competition was intense with northern buyers out in force and driving the trade.

Agents purchasing for southern plants have also been more active over the last week, with factories using cows and young bulls to compensate for tighter steer and heifer supplies with prices stuck in gear.

Forward stores

The trade for forward stores has also received a boost with the mart trade resuming at the stronger levels witnessed pre-Christmas.

See p52 for a full report.