Almost without fail, every cattle mart reported increases of �20-30/hd throughout the past week and, when compared to the same week last year, the average price paid showed an increase of �300-390, with the higher figure occurring at Ennis Mart.

Mild weather conditions and plenty of grass resulted in a big increase in the numbers of farmers out buying.



Nice quality bullocks and heifers have, on average, moved closer to �3/kg than �2/kg at this stage.



Cull continental cows are more often making over �2/kg than under it if well fleshed, while finished Friesian culls are commonly making up to �2/kg.



Young dairy cows sold for �1,300-2,000. Older milkers moved at �1,000-1,400 in the main. In an improved calf trade, the Friesian bulls are generally making �160-240. Stronger types made up to �300 while lighter plain lots sold for �100 upwards. Continental calves ran at �300-600.



There were more than 978 cattle on offer at Balla. Prices remained solid with some excellent prices paid in particular for store bullocks, which were up �20/hd on the previous week.



Cattle were up an average of �300/hd on this time last year.



Heavy bullocks averaged �2.31-2.79/kg, while lighter types made �2.83-3.58/kg.



Source: Meat Trade Daily News: More info.. http://bit.ly/GBHdBH