There seemed to be a willingness from buyers to go that little bit further for forward cattle of all classes in Kanturk Mart for their weekly sale on Tuesday last.

A total of 319 cattle went through the ring, up slightly on last week as good weather and talk of beef prices edging upwards helping to draw an extra few out.

Forward dry cows were making anywhere from €3.25/kg to €4.20/kg, with fleshed dairy and dairy-beef cows making up to €3.80/kg, while continentals managed to cross the €4/kg mark.

This February 2019-born Hereford-cross cow weighed 755kg and sold for €2,760 (€3.66/kg).

Friesian cows requiring further feeding were generally making anywhere between €2.70/kg to €3.20/kg, with lighter ones selling for below this price range.

For both forward and lighter stores, a difference of 50c either side of €4/kg was the going rate for beef-cross cattle in good condition.

This April 2014-born Hereford-cross cow weighed 645kg and sold for €2,080 (€3.25/kg).

Whether it was stock bulls or Friesian bullocks, most ended up selling within that range. There were a few outlying prices too, with up to €4.75/kg paid for a group of six Angus-cross bullocks weighing 312kg, €1,480.

This February 2018-born Limousin-cross cow weighed 720kg and sold for €2,740 (€3.81/kg).

Trade remained consistent for calves with 120 on offer and four exporters active. For traditional beef breed crossed aged under six weeks of age, prices went from €560 to €750.