Like many marts, Headford’s sale on Saturday last saw farmers restricted from the cattle lairage during the sale.

Mart manager Joe Wynne said that farmers dropped off their cattle and numbered them in the intake race as normal. But only mart staff were allowed beyond that point. Once all cattle were penned prior to the sale, there was a half-hour window where farmers and agents could view the cattle in pens prior to the sale.

Once the sale commenced, farmers were moved out of the lairage. There was a clear benefit to this, as the mart staff had an unobstructed yard for moving cattle to and from the sales ring.

Before the cow sale and heifer sale commenced, there was another period where prospective buyers could view the stock once more.

The sale itself was quite strong, with over 600 head on offer, and strong grass buyer demand. Heavy steers over 600kg sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg, with top-quality bullocks making over €2.55/kg. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg. Those from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality types. Heifers were a strong trade also, with those from 400kg to 500kg selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg and up to €2.70/kg for top-quality lots. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg. Commission rates are €10 to the buyer and 2% to the seller.