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 based on breed, weight, and quality.

In the cow category, a 710kg Angus cow was sold for €2,700, equating to €3.80 per kilogram. This highlights the premium price often associated with Angus cattle, known for their quality and performance. Another example was a lighter 680kg Limousin cow, which sold for €2,360 or €3.47 per kilogram. This demonstrates that lighter animals may fetch a slightly lower price per kilogram, but the overall value can still be substantial.

A 615kg Friesian cow sold for €1,740 or €2.83 per kilogram, indicating that Friesians, while highly valued for dairy production, may not command the same premium in the beef market. Conversely, a heavier 855kg Simmental cow sold for €3,040 or €3.56 per kilogram, showcasing the advantage of larger animals in terms of price per kilogram.

The bullock sale on the day featured several notable transactions. A 570kg Hereford bullock sold for €2,200 or €3.86 per kilogram, reflecting the consistent demand for Hereford cattle. Another 490kg Limousin bullock sold for €2,220 or €4.53 per kilogram, highlighting the higher price per kilogram for this breed.

Among the bullocks, two of the highest prices per kilogram were noted for Charolais bullocks. A 470kg Charolais bullock sold for €2,380, equating to €5.06 per kilogram. Another 475kg Charolais bullock was sold for €2,400 or €5.05 per kilogram. These prices underscore the premium often paid for Charolais cattle, renowned for their growth and meat quality.

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 per kilogram, 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.

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 assess market trends and make transactions. The general cattle sale will continue to provide insights into the evolving dynamics of the livestock market, with prices reflecting breed, weight, and quality.