Camera at the Mart was at last week’s special May Day sale at Ballymote Mart. Mart manager Stephen Hannon said that there was a very strong trade, with steady demand for all cattle types.

Stephen said that the cull cow trade was particularly strong on the day, with feeders and farmers competing for all quality types.

Prices for cull cows ranged mainly from €1.70/kg to €2.00/kg, with top-quality types selling in excess of €2.15/kg. Weanling heifers were met with a sharp trade also, driven by farmer and feeder demand from the midlands and east. Heifers from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.70/kg. Top-quality heifers in the same weight bracket sold at €2.90/kg to €3.10/kg and over. Forward store heifers from 450kg to 600kg sold from €2.20/kg to €2.50/kg.

Demand for bullocks was strong and farmer buyers were particularly active for store bullocks suitable for grazing according to Stephen. Best prices for light weanlings under 250kg ranged from €3.00/kg to €3.70/kg, while heavier types from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.65/kg.

Forward store bullocks over 500kg sold from €2.10/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality types, with the top third ranging from €2.55/kg to €2.60/kg.

Stephen said that the main demand for bulls over 400kg came from feedlot buyers and prices ranged from €2.10/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types. Since the weekend, Stephen commented that prices have eased slightly, with the weather playing a massive role in the reduction in demand and supply. Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 1.5% to the seller.