Store cattle trade takes a knock at Kilkenny Mart this week

Grass supplies experiencing a setback in growth on farms has impacted the trade over the past few days and some customers for store cattle have taken a step back to await the green leaves to grow more quickly in fields.

Another factor is that we are heading into the month of May and some grass farmers who had a big demand for stores have filled their needs.

At Kilkenny Mart this week, auctioneer George Candler highlighted that the 'plainer' store animal was slightly harder to sell.

He stated: "Plainer type bullocks and heifers, especially lighter types, were more difficult to sell and showed a reduction in price by €15-30/head compared to last week.

Forward cattle continued to achieve good prices this week in Kilkenny, as beef heifers sold from €2.00/kg up to €2.64/kg, while heavy bullocks were selling up to €2.60/kg.

The trade for the cull cows remained strong, as he added: "All cull cows met an outstanding trade, with prices peaking at €2.45/kg."

Friesian cull cows sold from prices starting at €1.10/kg and reached €1.85/kg - while continental cows were topped at €2.45/kg and sold back to €1.50/kg.

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