The bull and heifer trade is like a game of two halves at the moment, according to Gortatlea mart manager Maurice Brosnan.

Speaking after the sale, he stated: “There was plenty of farmer demand for heifers, but it was the complete opposite with bulls. Bad and all as things are, it’s good to see in a way that there is still confidence in the heifer trade.”

Brosnan also said that out of spec cattle were a tougher trade: “Anything with a nice bit of quality you’ll sell it away alright, but over-age cattle are a very hard sell and light two-year-old cattle are the same.

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Short-term, it was hard to be optimistic, but he added: “I hope beef price has bottomed out at this stage. I’ve had a good few enquiries from exporters for lighter bulls, so hopefully that might help. But heavy bulls are very hard to move. Exporters can buy them, but only at a certain price and that could leave farmers disappointed after their hard work.”

In the sales ring, there was a bit more bite for the 220 heifers on offer, with most animals selling for between €2.20/kg and €2.50/kg, with a handful falling either side of this range.

Predominantly a heifer sale, there was still 80 bulls on offer. Prices here varied depending on weight, with €2.05/kg up to €2,60/kg on offer for the majority. Commission rate is €12 to the seller and €10 to the buyer.