Farmers and feedlot buyers drive ‘strongest’ demand for forward cattle – Harkin

Farming News/Mart Reports on That’s Farming:

According to Ann Harkin, a large entry of stock came under the hammer at Raphoe Mart at Thursday’s (August 31^st, 2023) cattle sale, which saw a “strong” trade for all types from farmers and feedlot buyers.

The mart manager reported that quality cattle met with the “strongest” demand, with forward cattle from €2.80 per kg to €3.20 per kg.

Meanwhile, medium weights sold from €2.70 per kg to €3.50 per kg and lighter cattle traded from €2.70 per kg to €2.80 per kg.

At Thursday’s sale, fat cows traded from €900 per head to €2320 per head, while Aberdeen Angus cattle sold from €2.10 per kg to €2.80 per kg and Friesian cattle ranged from €1.80 per kg to €2.20 per kg.

This week’s sheep prices

According to Harkin, there was a larger entry of sheep at this week’s sale with “great” demand around the ring and online.

Lambs sold at:

• €70 to €90 for 27-33kgs;
• €90 to €100 for 33-41kgs;
• €110 to €130 for 41-45kgs;
• €130 to €144 for 45-52kgs.

Other categories:

• Fat ewes sold from €50/head to a high of €176/head.

Last week’s cattle prices

According to Ann Harkin, there was a larger entry for this week’s cattle sale at Raphoe Livestock Mart, Co Mayo on Thursday, August 24^th, 2023.

The mart manager reported that demand continued for quality stock, which sold from €2.80/kg to €3.20/kg and up to €3.80/kg for lighter lots.

Strong forward cattle pushed from €2.50/kg to €3.20/kg, while medium weights went under the hammer from €2.50/kg to €3.40/kg and lighter weights stood from €2.60/kg to €3.80/kg.

At Thursday’s sale, Aberdeen Angus cattle sold from €2.20/kg to €2.80/kg, Friesian cattle pushed from €1.80/kg to €2.20/kg and fat cows climbed from €950/head to €2060/head.

Last week’s sheep prices

According to Harkin, there was continued demand around the ring for all sheep on offer with “brisk” bidding throughout.

There was a large entry of lambs this week with prices improved on last week.

Lambs sold at:

• €70 to €90 for 28-33kgs;
• €90 to €110 for 34-40kgs;
• €110 to €130 for 40-45kgs;
• €130 to €145 for 45-52kgs.

Other categories:

• Fat ewes sold from €70/head to a high of €194/head.

Mart information:

• Address: Raphoe Livestock Mart, County Donegal.
• Contact: 074 914 5385
• Sale days: Sheep sale – Mondays at 11 am. Cattle sale – Thursdays at 11 am.

Read more on this mart report on www.thatsfarming.com