The prices paid for short-keep and forward bullocks was similar to last week.

Mart managers around the country have also said that the trade in the past few days has held reasonably firm for all good-quality cattle.

Bullocks

In the bullock ring, top-quality types over 600kg were steady and sold mainly from €550 to €650 along with the weight. The number of bullocks on offer was lower than previous weeks, however. Types from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €600 to €650 along with the weight.

There was a good entry of store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg, and the trade for all good-quality types was said to be firm, with plenty of farmers actively bidding around the ring. Top-quality types in that weight range sold from €550 to €650 along with the weight, while average-quality types made from €500 to €600 over.

This 440kg Charolais bullock was born in June 2015 and sold for €1,080 (€2.45/kg).

Heifer

The heifer ring saw a little more action, with heifers over 600kg in short supply.

Demand for all short-keep types was strong. For forward store heifers from 500kg to 600kg, prices of average-quality types ranged mainly from €500 to €600 along with the weight, while plainer types in the same weight range sold from €450 to €500 over.

Store heifers from 400kg to 500kg were an improved trade on last week, with more farmer buyers active. The average heifer sold from €450 to €550 over, with better quality lots making up to €600 over.

This 605kg five-star Charolais X heifer was born in January 2015 and was bid to €1,150 but went unsold (€1.90/kg).

Cull cows

The cull cow ring saw another large entry of cows. The brucellosis testing changes have had a very positive effect on cow numbers passing through the mart since this time last year. Prices for culls have held firm.

You can scroll through a gallery of animals offered for sale on the day at the top of the page.

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More bite in cattle price at Skibbereen Mart