Last Tuesday’s sale at Ballymena Mart saw an entry of 180 store cattle on offer.

Bullocks under 500kg sold mainly from £2.12/kg for a plain light Charolais to £2.91/kg for a top-quality 240kg Limousin steer. Prices averaged at about £2.20/kg.

Those over 500kg were met with strong buyer demand. Prices ranged mainly from £2.04/kg for a 560kg Angus to £2.25/kg for a 530kg Angus. Prices averaged at about £2.10/kg or close to £600 along with the weight.

Light heifers sold mainly from £1.93/kg for a 460kg Limouisn to £2.24/kg for a top-quality one. Prices averaged at about £2.10/kg or about £400 over the weight.

Heavier heifers over 500kg sold mainly from £1.80/kg to £2.20/kg. Prices averaged at about £550 along with the weight.

Monday’s sheep trade was said to be sharp. Ewes and lambs sold from £155 to £222, while springers sold from £140 to £182, with store lambs selling up to £76/head.