Plain lighter stores were a little slower to sell, but generally were a steady trade.

There was another very strong trade for forward-type cows, while plain-feeding cows were a little easier and sold from €150 to €250 along with the weight.

Forward-feeding cows were a steady trade and sold mainly from €350 to €450 along with the weight, with better-quality types making up to €500 over.

Fleshed, or slaughter-fit cows remain a strong trade, with plenty of buyers active. Well-fleshed continental cows sold mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg.

Shortage of heavier bullocks

Bullocks over 600kg were not very plentiful, but prices were strong and ranged mainly from €700 to €800 along with the weight, similar to last week.

Farmers were active for forward store bullocks over 500kg, with better-quality types a very strong trade.

This Charolais cross bullock, born March 2016 and weighing 480kg, sold for €1,130 (€2.35/kg).

Average-quality bullocks in that weight range sold mainly from €700 to €800 over the weight. Lighter store bullocks were a strong trade also, with farmers buying.

The average 450kg steer sold mainly from €550 to €700 along with the weight, with better-quality types making higher prices. Exporters were snapping up light bulls suitable for the Turkish trade.

Farmers were active for weanlings, with those from 300kg to 400kg selling mainly from €750/head for plain types to €900/head for top-quality bulls.

Scarce heifers

Short-keep heifers were relatively scarce but were a strong trade. Those over 550kg sold from €600 to €70 over the weight, with better-quality types making up to €800 over.

Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1,150 to €1,300.

This Charolais cross heifer, born April 2015 and weighing 460kg, sold for €1,160 (€2.52/kg).

Those from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €900 to €1,150. There was a good supply of weanling heifers on offer, with those from 300kg to 400kg selling mainly from €700 to €800. Better-quality types made from €800 to €950.

Plainer weanling heifers were a little slower to sell, with sellers reluctant to let off at low prices.

Scroll through the photos at the top of the screen to see animals which were on sale

Read more

Calf numbers at marts peaking

Feeders ramp up buying of short-keep and forward cattle