There was another good entry of cattle at Markethill this week, with over 500 cattle coming forward for sale.

Demand was steady and prices were strongest for good-quality fleshed heifers.

The heifer trade peaked at £1,315 for a 638kg Charolais followed by another Charolais, weighing 598kg, at £1,290.

General sale prices for cattle weighing 500kg to 600kg were £1,050 to £1,275.

Heifers weighing 500kg to 550kg sold from £930 to £1,190, while cattle weighing 400kg to 500kg sold from £730 to £1,145.

The trade for bullocks peaked at £1,370 for a 660kg Simmental animal, followed by £1,365 for a 642kg Limousin. Bullocks weighing 500kg to 600kg sold from £990 to £1,195, with Friesian-type cattle selling back to £770. Bullocks weighing 400kg to 500kg sold from £835 to £1,160.

Weanlings sold to a top price of £930 for a 470kg Charolais bull. Weanlings weighing 350kg to 420kg sold from £635 to £870 depending on quality.