There were over 800 head of cattle on offer at Carnew Mart, Co. Wicklow, on Saturday, July 19.

Speaking to Agriland after the sale, yard manager Eugene Clune said that the trade remains "exceptional with prices for quality beef cattle pushing forward again as several cattle passed the €3,000 mark and upwards of €5.00kg".

Separately, Clune also confirmed to Agriland that Carnew Mart is hosting sales of cattle from TB restricted herds with cattle sold from the host farm. These cattle do not travel to the mart and are sold subject to district veterinary office (DVO) approval.

Commenting on the general cattle sale last Saturday, Clune said: "There was a large entry of store cattle meeting a super trade with a great price of €2,220 paid for three Charolais-cross bullocks weighing 358kg equating to €6.20/kg.

Some of the top bullock prices from the sale:

290kg Limousin bullock sold for €1,820 or €6.28/kg;
Three 358kg Charolais bullocks sold for €2,220 or €6.20/kg;
766kg Charolais bullock sold for €3,700 or €4.83/kg.

Clune said: "Heifers were also in high demand with prices passing €5.00/kg. We had two Limousin heifers weighing 684kg that made €3,500 or €5.12/kg."

Some of the top heifer prices from the sale:

Two 684kg Limousin heifers sold for €3,500 or €5.12/kg;
442kg Charolais heifer sold for €2,200 or €4.98/kg;
670kg Belgian Blue heifer sold for €3,330 or €4.92/kg.

"Bulls remain a fantastic trade with quality continentals consistently making over €5.00/kg and up to €5.82/kg for quality lots," the yard manager said.

Sample bull prices from the sale:

Three 372kg Limousin bulls sold for €2,170 or €5.82/kg;
390kg Charolais bull sold for €2,200 or €5.64/kg;
410kg Limousin bull sold for €2,300 or €5.61/kg.

Three Limousin-cross bulls with an average weight of 372kg sold for €2,170 or €5.82/kg.

Some of the top cow prices from the sale:

738kg Aubrac cow sold for €3,340 or €4.53/kg;
662kg Limousin cow sold for €3,000 or €4.53/kg;
802kg Belgian Blue cow sold for €3,500 or €4.36/kg;
656kg Angus cow sold for €2,600 or €3.96/kg.

Clune said: "Cows were in great demand also with Friesians making up to €3.50/kg and over, while beef cows sold from €4.00-4.50/kg.

"Prices in general were up €40-60/head on previous weeks leading to a full clearance."