In the past few days the mart trade has steadied once again. In the main, good quality continental cattle have been a firm trade in most marts. However, cows and plainer quality cattle have been a slightly easier trade due to reduced demand.

Speaking after Saturday's sale at Mohill Mart, Mart manager Stephen Hannon said that the trade today was firm. Numbers continue to reduce slowly due to the time of year. He said that continental bullocks were a firm trade; the quality of stock on offer on the day was firm which helped the trade. The highest price on the day was an 1100kg stock bull which sold for over €1800. Fleshed cows sold fairly well on the day with prices of up to €2.00/kg for good quality types.

Joe Wynne, Manager of Headford Mart said that the trade on Saturday was similar to last week. Again this week plain quality cattle remained slower to sell and commanded similar prices to last week. On the sheep trade, he said that prices of lambs today were back slightly, by a few euro’s per head. Sheep prices from Saturday morning: Lambs made from €70to €114. Cull Ewes made from €70to €114.

Dowra Mart saw another good trade today for lambs and sheep, with plenty of buyer activity. Good quality cattle were a firm trade on the day and farmer buyers were active. Average prices were back slightly on last week, but this was mainly for lesser quality cattle. The best demand on the day was for good quality store cattle over 400kg. Heavy bulls were also a slightly better trade also backed by strong demand.