Carnew Mart in Co. Wicklow has hosted its monthly 'E' and 'U' grade cattle sale, with 792 head of quality cattle up for sale.

The sale, which was held on Saturday July 5, "smashed records" as all classes of stock did well, according to the mart.

Carnew Mart's Edel James said cows had a strong trade, with 15 of them selling in excess of €3,000 per head.

The highest earning cow on the day weighed in at 880kg, and was sold for €3,630, or €4.23/kg.

James said that the top animal per kg was a 730kg Limousin who sold for €3,120 or €4.27/kg.

When it came to heifers, a combination of online and ringside bids boosted prices up to €5.35/kg.

James said that the same enthusiasm was shown for store bullocks, as they reached a top price of €5.84/kg, when three Simmental crossbreds weighing in at 241kg sold for €1,410.

Beef bullocks climbed to €4.90/kg when a 710kg Charlois crossbred sold for €3,480.

James said that the main highlight of the event was the large entry of bulls and weanlings on offer, with the majority of lots surpassing €6.00/kg.

She added that, due to the appetite of farmers, factory agents, and exporters, prices hit €7.07/kg as a crossbred Belgian Blue weighing 396kg made €2,800.

Other noticeable sales included;

392kg crossbred Belgian Blue heifer sold for €2,100 or €5.36/kg
Four Charlois crossbred bullocks at 445kg sold for €2,350 or €5.28/kg
442kg crossbred Belgian Blue bull sold for €2,920 or €6.61/kg

Overall, 70 dry cows, 120 heifers, 100 bullocks, 150 bulls, and 100 calves went under the hammer.

As we enter mid-summer, many farmers have sold off stock, and factories are "actively looking for cattle, so farmers should sell hard", according to Irish Farmers Association chair, Declan Hanrahan.

Hanrahan said farmers are currently reporting making more than factory quotes, and stated that though mart sales are small, prices are "powering ahead".