There was no let up in the prices being paid at the weekly beef sale at Ballymena Livestock Market last Thursday 6 November, with buyers keen to fulfil pre-Christmas orders with local factories.

Across 275 cattle on offer, a 99% clearance rate was achieved, as the usual regulars around the ringside competed with online bidders. A total of 14% of purchases were made online. Factory-fit cattle with good grading potential were consistently making over 400p/kg, while quality beef bred cows ready traded between 320p and 370p/kg, to a top of 392p/kg.

Beef heifers peaked at £3,385, 418p/kg for a standout 810kg Limousin, closely followed by a 710kg Charolais heifer which made £2,967, 418p/kg.

Bullocks sold to a top price of £3,364, 377p/kg, paid for an 890kg Limousin, followed by another Limousin at 790kg that sold for £3,270, 414p/kg.

Cow

The top price of 392p/kg for a beef cow was paid for a 680kg Limousin at £2,662, while a 770kg Limousin made £2,833, 368p/kg.

Dairy bred cows in good condition traded from 240p/kg to a top of 276p/kg for a 600kg Friesian at £1,656. Stock in their working clothes and requiring a finishing period, made between 190p and 220p/kg.

Commenting after the sale, Ballymena Auctioneer, Callum Patterson said the trade at the beef sale has remained very steady in recent weeks, but given the cost of stores, price rises are required this winter.