Mart Prices This Week
In this article, That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane, takes a look at how prices have fared out at the ringside across the country this week.
Castlerea Mart
According to Brendan Egan, over 400 lots came under the hammer at Castlerea Mart on Thursday, July 6th, 2023.
Bullocks changed hands for up to €1670, heifers topped out at €1820, while cows with calves at foot peaked at €2490, and dry cows pushed to €1960.
The mart manager commented: “Demand was strongest on the day for the weanlings on offer.”
“The weanling bulls and bullocks witnessed lots exceeding €4.00/kg, while a 395kg Limousin heifer made €1800 or €4.55/kg.”
“The calf ring, witnessed a good clearance, with lots making from €15 to €330,” Egan added.
Ennis Mart
According to a spokesperson for Ennis Mart, a smaller entry crossed the scales at its most recent cattle sale on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023.
Heifers achieved a top price of €4.10/kg, while a smaller entry of calves peaked at €490 for a one-month-old LM heifer calf.
The spokesperson remarked: “There was a great trade in general on Tuesday. Only a handful of suckler cows came under the hammer.”
“Quality was slightly more variable in the heifer weanling ring, but again some very fancy prices recorded in this ring.”
“Exporters were very active in the bull ring and gave exceptional prices for top-quality LM and BB weanlings, as these hit €4.12/kg,” the spokesperson added.
Headford Mart
Younger cattle and forward stores “held their own” at Headford Mart’s most recent cattle sale on Saturday, July 1st, 2023, according to a spokesperson.
Its weekly general cattle sale saw a “level pegging trade for heavy cattle against the factory quoted prices”.
At Saturday’s sale, bullocks soared to €1,800, while heifers pushed to €1,400, weanling bulls hit €1,660 and cull cows fetched up to €2,140.
Kilkenny Mart
According to George Candler, some 650 lots crossed the scales at Kilkenny Mart’s most recent cattle sale on Thursday, July 6th, 2023.
He reported that cull cows were “slightly” easier, with between €1.00-€2.20/kg for Friesian types and €1.40-€2.65/kg paid out for continentals in this ring.
Meanwhile, continental store bullocks met with an “excellent” trade with prices from €2.75-€3.65/kg.
Candler commented: “These quality continentals have all derived from the suckler heard, and these types are becoming less and less common due to the fact that so many suckler farmers have left the industry due to poor returns.”
“Do factories want a beef industry? A lot of beef farmers are seriously considering if they have a viable future,” he remarked.
Kilmallock Mart
According to a spokesperson for Kilmallock Mart, there was a “good lift in cattle prices” at its most recent sale on Monday, July 3rd, 2023.
They noted that “400 cattle and 200 calves were sold at Kilmallock on Monday last”.
“Prices improved this week, and 117 buyers did business. Bullocks sold for up to €1,140 each or €3.77 per kg for light lots, while heavier types made up to €2,180 each or €2.93 per kg.”
“Dry cows made up to €1,580 each or €2.24 per kg. Heifers sold for up to €1,370 each or €2.88 per kg.”
“Runner-type calves are in great demand and made up to €520,” the spokesperson added.
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