Saturday’s sale at Macroom Mart saw another large sale of over 1,080 cattle and 600 calves on offer. The trade held quite firm once again, with the best trade for forward store bullocks and heifers. Mart manager John O’Mahony said that forward bullocks over 450kg were the best trade, but light dairy-cross weanlings saw prices weaken slightly.

The majority of demand from local buyers are those who are sourcing for the seven-month rule and demand from these has been variable due to the weather.

Heavy and forward bullocks were met with strong demand from farmers and feeders, with some top-quality continental-cross bullocks making over €2.50/kg and up to €2.55/kg. Other good continentals sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg.

Forward Angus and Hereford dairy-cross bullocks sold easily for twice the weight and €10 along with twice the weight in some cases, according to Tim McSweeney, Macroom Mart.

He said that there was strong demand for these types, with good grass buyer activity, considering the weather.

Lighter types from 250kg to 350kg are currently bearing the brunt of the poor weather conditions, with noticeably less demand for these on Saturday last.

Prices of all types from Angus to Frieisan and up to plain continentals were affected. Angus in that weight range sold from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg.

Tim said that the calf trade saw more demand for lower numbers of Friesians and these sold from €60/head at the bottom of the market, with prices of up to €140/head paid for good-quality Friesian bulls for export.

Angus bulls and heifers sold mainly from €130 to €170/head for heifers and €30 to €40 higher than this for bulls, while Herefords made from €220 to €250 and up to €310 for strong calves.

An entry of dairy cows sold for about €1,200/head on average, with top-quality types making up to €1,400, while older cows sold from €900 upwards.

The cull cow trade saw cows make up to €1,340 for 705kg at the top of the market, while feeding Friesians sold mainly from €1.10/kg to €1.40/kg.

Commission rates for adult cattle are €1.5% to the seller with an entry fee of €2.50 and a minimum charge of €9.50/head and €9 to the buyer.