With strong cattle prices and weanling sales kicking off across the country, the Irish Farmers Journal spoke to mart managers to get their verdict on the fast-approaching autumn trade.

David Quinn

Carnew Mart, Co Wicklow

“At our sale on Saturday last, there was a seriously strong appetite for beef cattle, driven by heightened activity from northern buyers. Local demand is also on the up, with surplus grass available.

“We had a hot bullock sale recently, with 420kg Charolais cattle making €1,210 each, for example.

“There are just the right ingredients to make the recipe for a good back end to the year. Exporters are going to be active, farmers with reduced cattle numbers are in line for cash from the various schemes and surplus grass is available on many farms.

“Good continental weanling numbers are back by up to 30% this year. Overall, the number of cattle moving through the mart is on the up, but this increase has come from the dairy sector. It’s a sign of the times, with a sustained exit from suckler farming.”

Michael Harty

Roscrea Mart, Co Offaly

“Cattle have been making great prices in recent months, which has been supported by an abundance of grass. We have seen a huge number of Angus and Hereford stock moving through the mart in recent weeks.

“I’m not sure if the prices will be as high moving into the autumn and I’m not sure if the supply will be as great either. We have seen a lot of cattle moved in recent weeks – farmers have moved early with stock to avail of the great prices.

“Wednesday weanling sales have just started, and demand and price is up on 2019. We’ve seen a good mix of stock from both suckler and dairy farms, consistent with previous years.”

Martin McNamara

Ennis Mart, Co Clare

“Trade has been very good in recent months and numbers have been high at sales, with 600 bullocks sold recently. We run weanling sales all year round and there is a strong supply at the minute.

“Prices for weanlings are on the up and in most instances are between €60 and €70 ahead of last year.

Jonathan O’Sullivan

Cahir Mart, Co Tipperary

“Sales are going very well at the moment, especially for the good in-spec cattle. On the other hand, prices have dried up notably for the lighter stock.

“All Angus cattle have been selling very well and this looks set to continue. Bullocks over 30 months that are now out of spec are selling poorly, which is to be expected.

“Weanling sales are to begin in the coming weeks and we are hopeful that the prices will hold up. There is some great suckler stock in this part of the country, so we are expecting to have good weanlings on show.”