Camera at the mart was on tour last week and paid a visit to Thainstone Mart, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. On Friday last, it was store cattle day with a sale entry of over 500 head.

Mart manager John Gregor commented on a solid trade, with quality cattle being in demand. Prices are steady, with more cattle starting to come forward for sale week on week.

Prices for bullocks were an exceptional trade, with a sale average of 218p/kg (€2.56/kg). The trade for light stores saw a top price of 269p/kg (€3.32/kg) for a pair of Limousin-cross yearlings weighing 324kg, or €1,076/head.

Top-quality continental-bred bullocks weighing 500kg to 600kg sold from £1,200 to £1,315 (€1,482 to €1,684). Plainer lots sold back to £1,140 (€1,408). Mid-weight bullocks weighing 400kg to 500kg sold from £1,050 to £1,165 (€1,297 to €1,439), with plainer lots selling back to £970 (€1,198).

There was a super entry of store heifers. Bidding was exceptionally brisk for continental animals carrying good flesh and suitable for a short finishing period. The heifer trade had an average price of €2.66/kg for all classes of stock. Top price paid was £1,400 (€1,729) for a Charolais animal weighing 632kg.

Forward heifers weighing 550kg to 600kg and carrying flesh sold from £1,135 to £1,200 (€1,402 to €1,482). Heifers weighing 500kg to 550kg sold from £1,100 to £1,170 (€1,358 to €1,445), with heifers weighing 450kg to 500kg selling for similar prices.