There were 630 head of cattle on offer at Kilkenny Mart on Thursday, June 5, with the prices paid described by auctioneer George Candler as "marginally less for the heavy and overage cattle but a vibrant trade for store bullocks with up to €6.09/kg paid for four Charolais bullocks averaging 430kg making €2,620/head.

The auctioneer said: "The factories have dropped quotes by €0.10c/kg, which may have had a negative effect but only to a limited degree, with exporters and farmer buyers still active."

Despite this, the average price paid for bullocks over 600kg was €4.05/kg, which was back €0.06c/kg from five weeks ago when that average price was €4.11/kg.

Other notable prices from the sale included a pen of nine Friesian bullocks with an average weight of 330kg that sold for €4.24/kg or €1,400/head.

Bullocks in the 500-600kg category averaged €4.10/kg, which is on par with average prices here in early May. Three Angus bullocks averaging 518kg sold for €2,410/head or €4.16/kg.

400-500kg store bullocks averaged €4.16/kg, up €0.08c/kg since early May. Three Hereford bullocks with an average weight of 425kg sold for €1,760/head or €4.14/kg.

Bullocks below 400kg averaged €3.90/kg, back €0.24c/kg since early May. Two Charolais bullocks with an average weight of 385kg sold for €5.27/kg or €2,030/head.

Friesian cull cows ranged in price from €1.90-3.35/kg and continental cull cows ranged in price from €2.80-3.90/kg.

Beef heifers averaged €4.23/kg or €2,860/head. A 775kg Charolais heifer made €3,280 or €4.23/kg.

Forward store heifers averaged €4.05/kg or €1,810/head. Three 555kg Limousin heifers made €2,420/head or €4.36/kg. Another two Angus heifers weighing 520kg made €1,980/head or €3.81/kg.

Lighter store heifers averaged €4.23/kg or €1,425/head. A pen of four Angus heifers with an average weight of 325kg made €4.25/kg or €1,380/head. Another pen of six Charolais heifers with an average weight of 365kg made €4.66/kg or €1,700/head.