Wednesday, February 19th, saw records numbers passed through the sales ring at Castleisland Mart, according to a spokesperson, who reported that close to a 100% clearance was achieved.
Cows
Dry cows recorded a 100% clearance with prices ranging from €1.03- €2.00/ kg. “Finished and forward store cows achieved the higher price per kilo.”
Friesian cows ranged from €1.03- €1.45/kg, while good quality continentals and Hereford and Angus-types met with “very strong demand”.
Aberdeen-Angus and Hereford entries pushed from €1.24-€1.56/ kg.
Heifers
“Again, a 100% clearance was achieved for heifers.” AA/HE-types went under the hammer from €1.61- €1.95/ kg, while continentals made from €1.65- €2.30/ kg.
“We had a very strong butcher presence at Wednesday’s sale, which made butcher/factory-type heifers realise very strong prices.”
Weanlings
“Good quality weanling bulls were in strong demand. A number of buyers are present each Wednesday for these types of animals.”
FR weanling bulls clicked from €1.34-€1.63/kg, while continentals pushed from €1.86-€2.69/kg.
Bullocks
Bullocks had a 100% clearance. AA/HE made from €1.63- €2.32/kg, FR averaged €1.67/ kg while continentals ranged from €1.75- €2.10/ kg. 8 good quality store HE’s weighing 280kg made €650.
A small number of FR bullocks were presented for sale, a store FR weighing 600kg sold for €1005. CH weighing 496kg went for €1040 while a LM weighing 454kg sold for €895.
Sucklers
“Wednesday’s sale included a clearance sale of sucklers; this drew a large crowd for sucklers. In-calf cows sold from €925- €1,410.”
“Farmers were prepared to spend money on quality cows near calving.” A Simmental cow with her time up to a Limousin sire peaked at €1,410.
The spokesperson highlighted that continental-type cows with a strong well-conformed calf met with strong demand.
