The result was a fairly steady trade for good-quality cattle, and a variable trade for plainer types. However, the sale was really no barometer of the current trade around the country.

Heavy rain in many parts again over Friday night and Saturday morning is leading to worsening ground conditions. In wetter parts of the west, many farmers have housed suckler cows, while in some cases weanlings remain at grass prior to sale.

Forward bullocks in the main were a steady trade. However, at times prices were a little easier. Good-quality continental forward bullocks sold mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.20/kg for those over 600kg. Top-quality U grade types sold from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg.

Those from 500kg to 600kg sold from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg for average-quality types with the top third in terms of quality making from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg. Stores from 400kg to 500kg were steady – prices ranged from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg, with top-quality types making from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg.

The heifer ring was a little stronger than the bullock ring today, with more buyers active also. Heifers over 500kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg, with top-quality types making from €2.30/kg to €2.45/kg.

Plainer heifers made from €1.85/kg to €1.95/kg. Heifers from 400kg to 500kg saw prices range mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg, with top-quality types making up to €2.50/kg.

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Two sales in one day at Gortalea