There was another steady trade for bullocks. Those over 600kg sold mainly from €700 to €800 along with the weight, while older bullocks that would be finished overage sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.15/kg. Those from 500kg to 600kg were fairly steady also, with most bullocks selling from €2.25/kg to €2.35/kg on average, or from €1,200 to €1,300. Angus and Herefords in the same weight range sold for around €2.00/kg, or €1,050 to €1,150.

There were not as many farmers out and active on account of the weather, but lighter stores were still a good trade. Those from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg, with top-quality types making over €2.65/kg or €1,200 for U grade 450kg types.

Heifer trade

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The heifer trade was a little slacker at times, but all good continental cattle were a firm trade.

Forward heifers, and short-keep types were again the strongest trade, with stores in demand also. Those over 600kg were not available in large numbers, but where on offer they fetched strong prices of up to €800 along with the weight, even for overage types.

Stores from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for good-quality types and up to €2.35/kg for top-quality U grades. Stores from 400kg to 500kg were firm where quality was on offer, but plainer types were a little slower to sell than last week. Store heifers from 400kg to 500kg were plentiful and sold mainly from €950 to €1,150. Weanling heifers from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €700 to €850, with better-quality types making from €900 to €950.

Older cows making from €1,000 to €1,200

There was a good entry of in-calf cows and heifers on offer. Most of the good-quality types sold from €1,200 to €1,500, with older cows making from €1,000 to €1,200 and younger types selling for over €1,600. The trade for cull cows remained quite strong and steady.

Feeding continental cows sold mainly from €1.50/kg to €1.60/kg or from €350 to €450 over the weight. Those carrying more flesh sold from €1.70/kg to €1.90/kg, with top-quality cows making up to €2.00/kg.

Bullocks made from €215 to €920 over the €/kg. Top price was a CHX bullock weighing 600kg that sold for €1,520. Heifers made from €320 to €795 over the €/kg. The top heifer was a 555kg LMX that sold for €1,350.

Steady trade at Headford

Saturday's sale at Headford Mart saw another strong trade for all good-quality types. Weanling heifers sold from €245 to €550 over the weight, while bulls were a stronger trade and sold from €370 to €685 over the weight.

Forward bulls sold to almost €1,150 for 435kg. Cull cows made from €850 up to €1,200, with in-calf and calved cows selling from €1,020 to €1,500.

In the sheep sale, lambs sold from €105 to €116, while rams made from €114 to €130.

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