Roscrea mart had its annual fatstock, cow and heifer sale on Friday. There were over 600 cattle entered and demand was very strong.

Mart manager Michael Harte said that there were a number of Northern buyers at the sale who were very anxious for finished cattle and they drove prices.

He said the prices were up by about €40 to €50 per head for store heifers. Top-quality heifers sold up to a top price of €3.31/kg which was paid for the show winner, a 610kg Belgian Blue which sold for €2,020. Other good-quality finished heifers sold from €2.20/kg to €2.50/kg depending on quality. For heavy-fleshed heifers age was not a big consideration as agents battled it out to secure numbers. Farmers drove demand for lighter types and prices of €2.30/kg to €2.60/kg were paid for good quality heifers from 400kg to 500kg.

There was an entry of store bullocks available which were met with solid demand. Michael said that prices for these were up by about €30 to €50 per head since before Christmas due to increased demand.

On Friday the Fatstock bullock sale will take place and another large entry will be on offer. Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €10 to €15 to the seller.