In the know...
Castlerea
Extra numbers brought more buyers here, which did no harm at all.
Sample prices among a steady heifer trade included a 425kg Limousin that made €2.35/kg, a 550kg Simmental at €2.45/kg and a 600kg Charolais that made €2.10/kg.
On the bullock side prices were also a bit better with samples including a 495kg Charolais at €2.37/kg and a 500kg Limousin at €2.37/kg.
Best of the weanling bulls was a 270kg Charolais that sold for €2.74/kg.
Ennis
Numbers here were back on the previous week, and while quality varied, the good-conformation weanling animal still drew top dollar.
Sample prices among the heifers saw a 345kg Charolais make €3/kg, with heifers in general reported to be better by €20-30/hd.
A bit more competition from the shippers on the bull side was very welcome, but couldn’t lift prices back to where they were a month ago.
Top of the price chart were two Charolais: a 345kg at €3/kg and a 365kg at €2.81/ kg.
Was there an extra €50/ hd in them a month ago? Probably.
These Limousin and Charolais cross heifers (born 14/2/2018) with an average weight of 500kg, went for €1,040 at Enniscorthy Mart last week.
Balla
The trade for quality bullocks was reported as improved by €10-20/hd here: 300-400kg bullocks averaged €2.09/kg to a top of €2.36/kg.
In the 400-500kg section prices averaged €2.09/kg, with the top price a 485kg Charolais that sold for €1,140 or €2.40/kg. 500kg + bullocks averaged €1.91/kg.
Kilkenny
While numbers were back, prices in the heifer ring rose by €10-20/hd, with bullocks also strengthening in places.