Camera at the mart was at last Saturday’s special show and sale at Loughrea Mart. There was a good entry of bullocks and heifers on offer, with a good supply of heavy and older bullocks available.

More settled weather, combined with improved farmer and feedlot demand, was a help to the trade.

The heifer trade saw plenty of farmers active for all lighter store heifers. Good-quality continental heifers from 450kg to 500kg sold mainly from €1,100 to €1,250, with better-quality U grade heifers or those with the potential to slaughter as U grades making the highest prices.

Feeders were also very active for heavier heifers, with those from 500kg to 600kg selling mainly from €1,200 to almost €1,400, or up to €800 along with the weight.

The bullock trade mirrored the heifer trade, with forward and heavy bullocks a strong trade. There were a number of heavy types over 750kg on offer, mainly aged bullocks which sold from €700 to almost €1,000 with the weight. In general, those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1,200 to €1,400/head and lighter stores sold at similar prices to the equivalent heifer or from €600 to €750 over.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 1.5% to the seller.