Tuesday’s sale at Ballyjamesduff Mart saw a good entry of over 450 cattle on offer. Mart manager John Tevlin said that numbers over the summer months are up on last year.

The majority of bullocks on offer were stores from 400kg to 500kg and demand for these was quite solid.

This Limousin-cross heifer, born February 2017 and weighing 630kg, sold for €1,390 (€2.21/kg).

Prices ranged mainly from 2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types, with better-quality U grade continentals making over €2.60/kg. There was a share of plainer types on offer also, which sold mainly from €1.70/kg to €2.00/kg.

This Hereford-cross heifer, born February 2017 and weighing 669kg, sold for €1,280 (€1.91/kg).

There were some heavy short-keep and slaughter-fit bullocks on offer over 700kg; these sold from €1,200 to €1,450/head. Those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1,050 to €1,250/head.

The heifer trade was also strong, with the majority of those on offer being good-quality continentals. John said that the main demand is farmer driven, with good grass supplies boosting demand.

This Charolais-cross cow, born 2008 and weighing 640kg, sold for €1,335 (€2.09/kg).

Heifers from 500kg to 600kg are selling from €2.10/kg to €2.25/kg, with U grades making over €2.45/kg. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg were met with good farmer demand, selling mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types and for up to €2.60/kg for better heifers.

Commission rates are €5 to €19 to the seller and €7 to €9 to the buyer with a reduction for multiples.

This Angus cross calf, born 25/06/2019 sold for €250.

This Charolais-cross calf born 6 June 2019 sold for €375.

This Hereford cross heifer, born January 2017 and weighing 660kg, sold for €1,190 (€1.80/kg).

This Limousin-cross cow, born 2009 and weighing 630kg, sold for €1,220 (€1.94/kg).