Farmers and agents were a little more active, but again, better-quality cattle were the best trade. Demand for plainer types was still low. Even Angus and Hereford stores saw buyer activity remain weak.

Like last week, the strongest trade in the bullock ring was for good-quality forward store cattle over 600kg. U grade bullocks in this weight range sold freely from €1,250 to €1,460, with average-quality types making from €1,100 to €1,250.

The average Angus store bullock sold from €1.70/kg to €1.85/kg, although numbers were low. Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €550 to €700 along with the weight. Prices of lighter store cattle continue to be a little weaker than the forward store, but there was a little more activity for them today.

Top-quality U grade stores from 400kg to 500kg made from €2.45/kg to €2.60/kg, while the average bullock made about €600 to €650 over the weight

This Charolais cross heifer, born April 2015 and weighing 435kg, sold for €1,025 (€2.36/kg).

Farmer buyers

Farmer buyers were a little bit more active for heifers also, but plainer types continue to be a more difficult trade. All in all, there was a slightly better clearance rate in the heifer ring due to improved demand.

Heifers over 600kg were scarce, like recent weeks. Prices ranged mainly from €1,250 to €1,400, with some choice U grades fetching the highest prices. Forward store heifers from 500kg to 600kg ranged mainly from €500 to €650 over the weight, with the odd U grade making €700 over.

Like last week, there were plenty of heifers from 450kg to 500kg on offer. The average 450kg heifer sold mainly from €550 to €650 over. There was a share of light heifers under 400kg also, which sold mainly from €500 to €600 over the weight.

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