Farmers were out in force in force over the past week as there is a big push taking place for grazing stock as the weather begins to finally pick up.
In Ballinakill Mart, there was strong trade taking place in all rings, and prices were up. Good quality Charolais cattle 500kg plus were making €1,000 with their weight.
A good Charolais 500kg heifer was making around €1,350 while 600-650kg dry cows were making over €1250 upwards. An average continental 350kg heifer was making around €1,000.
Light weight bullocks of 390-400kg were coming in at around €1,200 with heavy bullocks making an average of €2.40 per kilo. Good light stores were making upwards of €2.70 per kilo.
Good 400kg continental weanling bulls were coming in around €1150, while good weanling heifers €2.80 per kilo.
In Carlow Mart, 400kg Charolais bulls were making €1100, the same type of price being paid for Limousine bulls too. Heavy continental bullocks were making well over €1250, with three 700kg Limousine bullocks making over €1500 each.
Heifer numbers were up on last week’s showing, with good prices being paid. Good 450 kg Limousine heifers were being bought for over €1100.
Calf numbers were at the same level as last week, with a big number of Angus and Hereford calves going through the ring. The prices for Friesian bull calves are still down, although there has been a rise in the southern marts over the past week.
In general, all calf prices have been down including Belgian Blues and Limousines.Hereford and Angus prices have continued to drop with the average price for an Angus not exceeding €200. No Belgian Blue surpassed the €400 marker, compared to last week when a large number made big prices.
Dry cow numbers were also up on last week, and there was some big prices being paid. One particular Limousine cow made €1400. There was a good run of Friesian cows, an average 600kg Friesian cow was making €880.
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