Kilkenny Mart hosted its weekly general cattle sale on Thursday, April 23, with 1,250 head of cattle on offer and over €2 million-worth of cattle traded on the day.

Commenting on the trade, auctioneer George Chandler said that there was a bigger sale this week, "with a lift for the better beef-type cattle".

The auctioneer said that more buying activity from factory agents was seen at the sale.

He added that the quality store cattle "also met a strong trade, with a few new customers appearing due to the increase in numbers".

Bullocks

Bullocks over 600kg averaged €3.85/kg and ranged in price from €3.25-€4.95/kg.

A 610kg Limousin bullock sold for €3,020 or €4.95/kg.

Eight Friesian bullocks with an average weight of 710kg sold for €2,600/head or €3.66/kg.

Bullocks in the 500-600kg weight category averaged €3.90/kg or €2,100/head. Bullocks in this weight bracket ranged in price from €3.05-€4.65/kg or €1,600-€2,580/head.

A pen of 10 Friesian bullocks weighing 505kg sold for €3.47/kg or €1,750/head. Six Angus bullocks weighing 536kg each sold for €2,140 or €3.99/kg.

Bullocks weighing from 400-500kg averaged €4.00/kg, while bullocks under 400kg averaged €4.05/kg.

Two 415kg Charolais bullocks sold for €1,750/head or €4.22/kg. Three 465kg Friesian bullocks sold for €1,830/head or €3.94/kg.

A batch of four Hereford bullocks weighing 320kg sold for €1,270/head or €3.97/kg.

Heifers and cull cows

Friesian cull cows ranged in price from €1.80-€3.20/kg and the continental cull cows ranged in price from €3.20-€4.20/kg.

Beef heifers averaged €3.90/kg with as high as €3,640 paid for an 850kg Charolais heifer.

Forward store heifers average €3.90/kg. Four Hereford heifers weighing 450kg sold for €1,680/head or €3.73/kg.

Lighter store heifers averaged €4.10/kg or €1,290/head.

Nine Angus heifers weighing 390kg sold for €1,650/head or €4.23/kg.