Throughput in marts across the country continues to rise, with a relatively large sale for the time of year of 300 cattle in Tuam on Monday.

Speaking to auctioneer Pat Burke after the sale, he said that well-fleshed cows were in particular demand, with northern buyer activity helping push trade along.

He said that weanling heifers were also in high demand, with a lot of farmer activity for these types of cattle.

Weanling heifers weighing 250kg to 300kg averaged €2.71/kg, while those weighing 300kg to 400kg averaged €2.82/kg.

On the weanling bull side, there was a steady trade, with both farmers and exporters actively bidding for stock.

Exporters were operating mostly for good R grading weanlings around the 400kg mark.

Bull weanlings from 400kg to 450kg averaged €2.42/kg, while those weighing 300kg to 400kg averaged €2.54/kg.

Cows

Suckler-bred factory-fit cows were making from €1.85/kg up to €2.10/kg in some cases for exceptional lots.

Lesser-fleshed cows and older types were trading between €1.55/kg and €1.75/kg for the most part.

Heifers

Heifers across the board met strong demand, with 400kg to 500kg averaging €2.32/kg.

In the 500kg to 600kg weight bracket, the average price was €2.26/kg.

However, better-quality types were making €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg and as high as €2.74/kg for a June 2019-born Limousin weighing 515kg (€1,410).

Heifers weighing 600kg and over were once again in high demand, averaging €2.14/kg, with factory-fit types making from €2.15/kg to €2.30/kg in many cases.

Bullocks

Bullocks weighing from 400kg to 500kg averaged €2.16/kg, with first-cross dairy types making €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg, while suckler-bred continental bullocks typically made around €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg and topped out at €2.62/kg for a pen of three April 2019-born Limousin bullocks weighing 485kg (€1,270).

Heavier bullocks from 500kg to 600kg averaged €1.92/kg.

Friesian types made from €1.50/kg to €1.60/kg, while first-cross dairy types traded around the €2/kg mark.

Suckler-bred continental types averaged €2.28/kg.

A small entry of bullocks over 600kg averaged €2.06/kg.

Again, Friesian types made around €1.88/kg, while continental types made from €2.15/kg up to €2.28/kg paid for a November 2018-born Limousin weighing 615kg (€1,400).