The fact that there were over 1,150 cattle on offer probably contributed to the quieter trade for both bullocks and heifers at Kilkenny Mart last Thursday.
It could be said that buyers have become a little more selective, and a large number of cattle were sold at between €20 and €40 a head less than the previous week. However, the quality lots still sold very well, but some of the plainer cattle were a little more difficult to shift.
A number of these plainer cattle appeared to be showing the effects of the recent very poor weather, and certainly last Thursday did not help.
Bullocks
The bullocks weighing over 600 kg sold at prices between €390 and €650 over their weight. A single Belgian Blue weighing 910 kg made €1,550, while four Limousins weighing 685kg fetched €1,200 each.
The bullocks weighing over 500 kg were priced between €300 and €660 over their weight. Eight Limousins weighing 510kg made €940 each, while three Charolais weighing 563kg were sold for €1,220 each.
The bullocks weighing between 400kg and 500kg had prices ranging between €200 and €400 also over their weight. Four Aberdeen Angus weighing 410kg made €610 each, while a pair of Charolais weighing 445kg were sold for €825 each.
The bullocks weighing under 400kg were priced between €170 and €340 over their weight. Five Aberdeen Angus weighing 365 kg made €550 each, while eight Friesians weighing 390kg were sold for €580 each.
Heifers
Overall, there was a good demand for the heifers, with the beef types making between €280 and €500 over their weight. A single Simmental weighing 470 kg made €830, while a black weighing 600 kg was sold for €1,070.
The butcher heifers sold between €260 and €330 over their weight. Three Simmentals weighing 460 kg were priced at €700 each, while another three Charolais weighing 485 kg made €790 each.
The store heifers sold between €200 and €350 also over their weight. Five Limousin crosses weighing 402kg sold for €680 each, while three Simmentals weighing 370kg fetched €600 each.
Culled cows
The Friesian types were sold from €150 under their weight to €200 over, while the Continental types fared better, selling between €40 to €380 over their weight. The in-calf Limousin heifers sold between €900 and €1,150 each.
