While quality cattle were a good trade, average prices were back slightly on recent weeks. The main reasons for the weaker trade were beef price pressure and complications arising from wet ground caused by the recent heavy rain.

Farmer buyers were not as active as previous weeks due to ground conditions. In terms of demand, the best prices were paid for better-quality heavy cattle suitable for feeding. These sold mainly from €1.95/kg to €2.15/kg and up to €2.30/kg for top-quality types.

This Limousin cross bullock born July 2014 and weighing 660kg sold for €1,300 (€1.97/kg).

There were a number of bullocks over 700kg, but in many cases age was against them, and this was reflected in the prices paid. In some cases, heavy bullocks that would not be slaughtered under 30 months were selling from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg.

This Limousin cross bullock born August 2016 and weighing 420kg sold for €1,060 (€2.52/kg).

Stores from 400kg to 500kg were available in numbers, and demand for these was quite good. They sold mainly from €550 to €650 over the weight, depending on quality.

Heifers

The heifer ring saw a similar trade. Again, the best prices were paid for those cattle that would slaughter under 30 months. Prices for heifers over 600kg ranged mainly from €780 to €850 along with the weight. Plainer types and those with age against them were a weaker trade than previous weeks.

This Limousin cross heifer born May 2016 and weighing 490kg sold for €1,115 (€2.28/kg).

Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €550 to €650 over, with top-quality types making €850 over and upwards. Heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €450 to €650 along with the weight.

Scroll through more photos from the sale in the slideshow above.

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