Tuesday’s sale at Mayo-Sligo Livestock Mart, Ballina, saw a smaller entry of stock on account of the weather. There was an entry of about 50 calves on offer, which were met with strong buyer demand.

Friesian bulls sold from €85 to €175 for a strong Friesian bull, but the number of Friesians on offer was low. Angus calves sold mainly from €140 to €270/head, with age and quality the two main factors affecting prices.

Hereford calves were a strong trade also, with prices ranging mainly from €200 to €315/head. Continental calves were a flying trade and sold from €235 for a Limousin to €395 to €440 for better-quality Simmental-crosses.

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The cattle trade saw a smaller entry than normal, but demand was strong and prices of bullocks ranged from €2.10/kg for average-quality 500kg to 600kg types to over €2.45/kg for better-quality U grade bullocks. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types to €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg for better-quality U grades.

Store heifers were low in advance of next week’s special heifer breeding sale. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg were low in number and sold mainly from €530 to €610 over the weight. Lighter types sold from €530 to €760 over. Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 2% to the seller to a maximum of €20/head.