There was a bigger entry of beef cattle at Ballymena this week, with 330 animals forwarded for sale.

Once again, there was a robust trade for top-quality beef cows. The sale peaked at 194p/kg for a Charolais animal weighing 810kg (£1,571), followed by 190p/kg paid for a Belgian Blue cow weighing 830kg (£1,577).

The general run of prices for fat cows ranged from 160p to 180p/kg. Friesian cows sold to a top price of 123p/kg for a 640kg animal (£787), with other lots making 110p to 118p/kg.

Beef heifers sold to £1,455 for a 680kg Charolais animal. Other noted prices saw heavy continental animals selling from £1,310 back to £1,140. Angus heifers sold to £1,176 for a 560kg animal.

Bullocks sold to £1,420 for a 640kg Limousin, with other lots making £1,080 to £1,390 for cattle weighing 550kg to 690kg. Friesian bullocks sold from 130p to 168p/kg.