Today’s special bullock sale at Mohill mart saw an entry of about 300 cattle in total. There were about 200 forward store bullocks on the day which were met with a firm trade. The quality of store cattle on offer was very strong and buyers were active. While prices were probably running at €60 to €80/head behind the same time last year, the trade for good quality forward types was strong. Those from 600kg upwards sold mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg with better quality types making up to €2.40/kg. Lighter stores from 500kg to 600kg were a strong and steady trade also and sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg with better quality U grades making from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg. Mart manager Stephen Hannon said that feeders continue to be active in recent weeks, with better quality and heavy cattle the best of the trade. He said that the trade for plainer cattle remains fairly difficult. However there were only few lesser quality types on offer. Plainer bullocks from 400kg to 500kg sold from€1.90/kg to €2.00/kg. Next week there is a special heifer sale taking place at the mart.

Today’s sale at Balla Mart saw another good entry of stock, with numbers continuing to rise. Again, like last week, forward store bullocks were the strongest trade on the day with heifers continuing to be firm. Average prices have eased slightly in recent weeks. Forward bullocks over 600kg were an improved trade and sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.25/kg for R grades, with better quality U grades making over €2.40/kg or over €1500/head for the best heavy bullocks. Average quality R grades sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg with better quality U grade types making from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg or €1250 to €1500 for top quality U grades. Again, age and quality are having the biggest impact on price, with noticeably lower demand for lesser quality cattle.

Heifers are firm, but plainer types are more difficult to sell. Heifers over 550kg sold mainly from €1100 to €1250 per head. Better quality forward heifers sold to €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg. Lighter store heifers were met with firm demand; again many farmers were active for feeding heifers and those that can be turned back to grass for cheap weight gain before housing. Those from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €950 to €1200/head.