The weekly weanling sale at Carnaross Mart in Kells, Co. Meath, was packed with a large show of cattle, showcasing a vibrant and active market for farmers and buyers alike. Two rings were in operation at the mart, allowing both weanling heifers and bulls to be showcased, with a diverse range of cattle attracting a powerful customer base.
It’s heartening to see the beef trade thriving, with farmers making strategic decisions to sell heavy cattle and purchase weanlings, which, in turn, is fuelling the market and driving demand. The presence of Northern Ireland buyers and exporters further adds to the positive momentum in the trade at Carnaross Mart.
Sample prices from the weanling bull ring:
- A 560kg Belgian Blue bull fetched €1,740
- A 430kg red Belgian Blue bull sold for €1,400
- A 475kg Limousin-cross bull went for €1,560
- A 525kg Limousin bull commanded a price of €1,590
- A 355kg Limousin bull was sold for €1,180
- A 315kg Limousin bull fetched €1,020
- A 340kg Limousin-cross bull was sold for €1,060
- A 355kg Charolais-cross bull went for €1,340
- A 395kg Charolais bull was purchased for €1,420
Padraig McElroy, the manager of Carnaross Mart, highlighted that there was a broad selection of weanling bulls and heifers on offer, with a consistent and high clearance rate being maintained. Export demand remained robust, with a significant portion of cattle cleared for export, predominantly to Northern Ireland.
In the weanling bull ring, prices of up to 4.20/kg were reached, underscoring the favourable trading conditions, while weanling heifers were also fetching up to 4.00/kg for the top quality offerings.
Sample prices from the heifer ring:
- A 410kg Charolais heifer was sold for €1,120
- A 420kg Charolais heifer went for €1,250
- Two 457kg Belgian Blue-cross heifers were sold for €1,400 each
- A 270kg Charolais heifer was purchased for €840
- A 305kg Charolais heifer fetched €910
- A 295kg Limousin-cross heifer was bought for €700
- A 385kg Hereford heifer was sold for €840
- A 335kg Charolais heifer commanded a price of €1,070
- A 300kg Charolais heifer went for €950
The variety in weight categories and breeds showcased at the sale is indicative of the diverse offerings available to buyers, catering to a range of preferences and requirements.
Looking at the broader trade at Carnaross Mart, cows and calves were also part of the sale, with a notable transaction involving a Belgian Blue cow with a Charolais bull calf achieving a price of €2,660. The success of such transactions highlights the buoyancy in the market and the willingness of buyers to invest in quality livestock.
As we look ahead, the optimism regarding the short-term outlook for the cattle trade at Carnaross Mart remains high, with anticipated buyer activity suggesting a strong final quarter for the heavy cattle trade, heralding well for the industry stakeholders and participants.
In conclusion, Carnaross Mart continues to be a hub of activity and a thriving marketplace for cattle trade, with a robust demand, competitive prices, and a diverse range of offerings attracting farmers and buyers from across the region. The positive momentum in the market bodes well for the industry, underlining the resilience and vibrancy of the agricultural sector in Co. Meath.
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