The trade for bullocks remained very strong, with the highest prices again for top-quality forward bullocks. Strong demand for good-quality stores resulted in high prices being paid for those also.

Bullocks over 600kg sold mainly from €700 to €800 over the weight, while those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €600 to €700 over the weight for average-quality continental types, with better quality U-grade bullocks making more than €800 along with the weight.

Lighter stores continue to be met with firm demand from grass buyers.

Those from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €580 to €700 along with the weight for average- to good-quality types. The weanling trade was strong also, with those from 300kg to 400kg selling mainly from €800 to €950 and very fancy bulls making over €1,000/head.

This Charolais cross bullock born March 2016 and weighing 400kg sold for €1,125 (€2.81/kg).

This Limousin cross bullock born May 2015 and weighing 535kg sold for €1,235 (€2.31/kg).

This Charolais cross bullock born May 2015 and weighing 560kg sold for €1,180 (€2.11/kg).

This Limousin cross bullock born May 2016 and weighing 315kg sold for €750 (€2.38/kg).

Heifers

The heifer ring saw another good trade, with lots of buyers present. Like bullocks, forward heifers that passed through the ring were snapped up quickly.

Those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1,150 to €1,400. There was a good entry of lighter stores on offer which were met with firm demand. Those from 400kg to 500kg saw prices range mainly from €900/head for plainer types to €1,400/head for very fancy breeding heifers. There were plenty of weanling heifers on offer also, and demand was steady.

Heifers from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €750 to €950 depending on weight, with top-quality types making well over €1,100.

This Angus cross heifer born April 2016 and weighing 305kg sold for €710 (€2.33/kg).

This Blonde heifer born November 2015 and weighing 480kg sold for €1,540 (€3.21/kg).

This Limousin cross heifer born November 2015 and weighing 435kg sold for €970 (€2.23/kg).

This Limousin cross heifer born May 2016 and weighing 410kg was bid to €1,040 (€2.54/kg) but not sold.

This Limousin cross heifer born October 2016 and weighing 245kg sold for €790 (€3.22/kg).

This Limousin cross heifer born November 2014 and weighing 575kg sold for €1,435 (€2.50/kg).

This Charolais cross heifer born April 2016 and weighing 280kg sold for €600 (€2.14/kg).

Cull cows

The cull cow trade was very strong once again.

Feeding continental cows sold frequently from €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg, with short-keep types continuing to sell from €1.80/kg to €1.95/kg.

Top-quality U-grade cows were making from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg. Where Friesian cows were on offer, feeding types were selling from €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg.

Steady trade at Headford

Saturday’s sale at Headford Mart saw very strong prices paid once again for all good-quality types. Bullocks sold from €200 to €940 over the weight, with a 690kg Charolais making €1,630.

Heifers sold from €235 to €835 over the weight, a little better than last week. A 575kg Charolais heifers sold for €1,410.

Weanling heifers sold from €230 to €715 over, while bulls sold from €170 to €7,800 over, slightly less than last week.

Cull cows sold from €500 to €1,630, with cows with calves at foot making from €920 for an old cow to €1,820 for a top-quality young cow.