Mart report: Heifer, bullock and cow prices at Tuam Mart

Tuam Co-operative Livestock Mart in County Galway hosted its weekly general cattle sale on Monday, March 30. Mart manager Marion Devane provided Agriland with a sample of the prices paid in the cow, bullock, and heifer categories after the sale. The prices showcased a range of values, reflecting the diverse offerings and demand at the mart.

In the cow category, a 710kg Angus cow was sold for €2,700, equating to €3.80 per kilogram. This highlights the strong performance of Angus cattle at the mart. Another example was a lighter 680kg Limousin cow, which sold for €2,360 or €3.47 per kilogram. This demonstrates that even lighter cattle can fetch competitive prices, depending on their quality and breed.

A 615kg Friesian cow sold for €1,740 or €2.83 per kilogram, indicating that Friesian cattle may not be as in demand at the moment, possibly due to market factors or consumer preferences. However, a heavier 855kg Simmental cow sold for €3,040 or €3.56 per kilogram, showing that larger Simmental cattle can command higher prices.

The bullock sale on the day featured several notable transactions. A 570kg Hereford bullock was sold for €2,200 or €3.86 per kilogram. This price suggests that Hereford bullocks are in demand at the mart. Another 490kg Limousin cow sold for €2,220 or €4.53 per kilogram, showcasing the appeal of Limousin breeds.

Among the bullocks, one of the highest prices per kilogram was €5.06, paid for a 470kg Charolais bullock that sold for €2,380. Another 475kg Charolais bullock was sold for €2,400, yielding €5.05 per kilogram. These prices underscore the premium that buyers are willing to pay for high-quality Charolais bullocks.

Other bullock prices included two 508kg Hereford bullocks sold for €2,000 or €3.98 per kilogram; a 600kg Limousin bullock sold for €2,460 or €4.10 per kilogram; a 595kg Limousin bullock sold for €2,800 or €4.71 per kilogram; a 555kg Charolais bullock sold for €2,360 or €4.25 per kilogram; and a 530kg Charolais bullock sold for €2,380 or €4.49 per kilogram.

One of the highest prices per head in the bullock sale was €2,900, paid for a 620kg Charolais bullock, equating to €4.68 per kilogram. A 500kg Limousin bullock sold for €2,220 or €4.53 per kilogram, and two Angus bullocks averaging 578kg sold for €2,160 or €3.74 per head.

In the heifer sale, one of the highest prices per kilogram was €4.38, paid for a 480kg Limousin heifer that made €2,100. A 490kg Angus heifer sold for €2,060 or €4.20 per kilogram, and a 490kg Limousin heifer sold for €2,060 or €4.20 per kilogram. One of the highest prices per head in the heifer sale went to a 710kg Angus heifer that made €2,700 or €3.80 per kilogram.

Another 505kg Limousin heifer sold for €1,880 or €3.72 per kilogram, and a pair of 400kg Angus heifers sold for €1,640 or €4.10 per kilogram. These prices indicate varying demand for different breeds and sizes of heifers.

Tuam Mart will host its Bank Holiday Bonanza sale on Easter Monday, April 6. This event is expected to draw livestock traders and buyers from across the region, offering a significant opportunity to showcase and trade cattle. The general cattle sale will continue to provide a platform for farmers and traders to assess market trends and make informed decisions about their livestock.