Carnew Mart held its largest sale under the Covid-19 restrictions on Saturday (April 18th), according to David Quinn.
The mart manager pointed out that over 600 entries were offered for sale by tender. “A lot of good-quality continental cattle, bullocks, heifers and bulls.”
“The trade was much-improved with more customers and prices probably up 5-10c/kg, in general, on the previous week.”
He said that continental bullocks generally sold from €2.20-€2.50/kg, while continental heifers generally made from €2.00-€2.35/kg, with up to €2.50/kg forked out for lighter-types.
Heavier cattle, over 600kgs, met an improved trade; they ranged from €1.80/kg for non-continental-types, with up to €2.15/kg for continental entries.
There was strong demand for bull weanlings from both farmer and export customers with up to €3.00/kg for well-conformed Belgian-Blues and as high as €2.70/kg for other continentals. He outlined that heavier bulls sold from €1.90-€2.20/kg.
Calves
There was an improved trade for calves on Wednesday (April 15th)
Dry cows
The mart held a dry cow sale on Friday (April 17th) with 60 lots on offer.
Beef-type Friesian cows changed hands from €150-€250 over the kg, while continental entries sold for up to €400 over the weight.
Store Friesians fetched from €60 under to €100 over the kg, with up to €250 over the weight for continentals.
Sheep
Quinn added that the mart attracted an entry of some 700 sheep on Thursday (April 16th). “Prices were well up on the previous week.”
Spring lambs moved from €125-€138, while hoggets peaked at €142 and cull ewes peaked at €138.
Collective effort
“We would like to thank all our staff and customers – it is a very lengthy process, and everyone helped us in every way they could.”
Upcoming sales:
- Monday: Dairy;
- Wednesday: Calves;
- Thursday: Sheep;
- Friday: Dry cows;
- Saturday: Cattle.
Image source: Carnew Mart Facebook
