Saturday’s sale at Maam Cross Mart saw a lower number on offer as we approach the seasonal low of throughput. Cattle numbers last week were much higher, but the trade today was very strong.

Mairead Burke of Maam Cross Mart said that despite numbers on offer being lower, the quality of stock on offer was very high and prices were strong.

The cattle sale had a show and sale which saw a good entry of cows and calves, all of which were very good quality.

Cull cows

Cull cows were a good trade and sold from €1.40/kg upwards, with most selling from €1.60/kg to €1.70/kg. Top-quality types sold for up to €2.00/kg.

This Limousin cross heifer, born June 2018 and weighing 255kg, sold for €600 (€2.35/kg).

There were a good few top-quality weanling bulls on offer and these sold from €2.20/kg to €2.75/kg. Heifers sold for about €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg.

There was an entry of young good-quality bullocks on offer also which sold from €2.75/kg to a top of €2.95/kg.

Sheep

She said that on the sheep side, numbers on offer were a good bit lower today also, and will remain low until late July/August.

These four ewes with lambs at foot sold for €108 each.

She said that it was mostly ewes and lambs that are on offer along with some cull ewes. In terms of prices, the top price for a ewe and single lambs was €145, while the majority of good-quality ewes and lambs sold from €100 to €145 with those having twins making over €150/head.

This ewe with twins at foot sold for €158.

One ewe with a single Lamb at foot sold for €80 while the other with twins at foot made €130.

This Limousin cross heifer, born January 2018 and weighing 320kg, sold for €810 (€2.53/kg).

This Belgian Blue cross bull, born March 2018 and weighing 305kg, sold for €800 (€2.62/kg).

This Saler cross bull, born October 2018 and weighing 360kg, sold for €1,000 (€2.78/kg).