Agents and some farmer activity dominated the trade for most types of cattle.

The number of bullocks and heifers on offer was lower than previous weeks, but the quality of stock at the mart continued to be quite good, with the majority of those on offer being good-quality continental types. The trade remained firm on recent weeks for most cattle types, but there were fewer buyers for heifers than last week, which meant clearance rates were a little lower at times for heifers.

Bullocks

Bullocks over 600kg were snapped up quickly when they passed through the ring. Prices ranged mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg or from €800 to €1,000 over. Stores from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg, with top-quality types making over €2.45/kg.

This Belgian Blue cross bullock born April 2015 and weighing 480kg sold for €1,115 (€2.32/kg).

There were some plainer types also that sold from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg. Stores from 400kg to 500kg were plentiful and a reasonably steady trade once again.

Prices ranged mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg or from €880 to €1,150, with better-quality U grades making €2.45 to €2.65/kg.

Heifers

Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types. Top-quality heifers made from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg.

Heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for R grades.

This Limousin cross heifer born August 2015 and weighing 505kg sold for €1,165 (€2.31/kg).

Cows

The cow ring saw another large selection on offer. Forward short-keep and slaughter-fit cows sold from €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg, with young cow heifers making well over €2.20/kg. Plain, thin and old cows were a more mixed trade and sold from even with their weight to €300 along with the weight. Continental feeding cows sold from €450 to €550 along with the weight.

The cow trade continues to hold fairly well. Feeding cows carrying some flesh were making from €350 to €450 along with the weight, while fleshed cows suitable for slaughter were making €1.80/kg to €1.95/kg depending on age and quality.

Scroll through the gallery at the top of the page to view more pictures from the mart.

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