Skibbereen Mart hosted its weekly sale last Friday, with strong demand throughout, which resulted in a near-100% clearance.

Speaking after the sale, mart manager Tom McCarthy said: “There was plenty of farmer activity throughout, with the rise in factory price really giving a spur since the Christmas break.

"Big numbers of dry cows present, with many dairy farmers eager to make space for the busy calving season.

"These lots are being met with a very strong trade, with prices up €50 to €100 on this time last year.”

Dry cow numbers

Nearly 100 dry cows were offered last Friday, with the better-quality lots making close to €2/kg.

These prices were led by better-shaped, younger continental types.

Overall, the cull cow average price settled at just shy of €1.50/kg due to the heavy influx of dairy-bred stock.

A further 120 bullocks and heifers were on offer, with all except five finding new homes.

These were again led by better-made, lighter continental stock making upwards of €2.40/kg.

The general go of heavier continentals was between the €2.20/kg and €2.40/kg mark.

Angus- and Hereford-bred stock again proved an exceptional trade, with nearly all stock selling between €2/kg and €2.20/kg, with a few exceptions either side.

Plainer, dairy-bred stock were the hardest sold, with prices hitting around the €1.80 mark.

In pictures

This 2014-born Simmental cow weighed 690kg and sold for €1,130 (€1.64/kg).

This pair of 2016-born Friesian cows weighed an average of 520kg and sold for €650 (€1.25/kg).

This 2013-born Angus cow weighed 710kg and sold for €1,060 (€1.49/kg).

This 2014-born Salers cow weighed 585kg and sold for €940 (€1.60/kg).

This 2015-born Charolais cow weighed 770kg and sold for €1,460 (€1.90/kg).

This 2019-born Hereford bullock weighed 650kg and sold for €1,210 (€1.86/kg).

This pair of Limousin heifers born spring 2020 weighed on average 342kg and sold for €740 (€2.16/kg).

This April 2020-born Limousin bullock weighed 275kg and sold for €680 (€2.47/kg).

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