There was an excellent trade for store cattle at Ballymena Livestock Mart this week. A total of 200 cattle were brought forward for sale.

Bullocks weighing 500kg and above sold from 195p/kg to 211p/kg for good-quality U grade continental cattle. Plainer bullocks were still a good trade selling from 180p/kg to 193p/kg.

Lighter bullocks weighing 400kg to 500kg sold to a top price of 241p/kg. The general price range for 440kg to 490kg cattle was 210p/kg to 223p/kg, with some lighter cattle at 400kg selling from 216p/kg and above.

In the heifer ring, prices peaked at £1,170 for a 520kg Simmental animal. Prices for good-quality heifers carrying flesh ranged from 200p/kg to 225p/kg for continental animals, back to 183p/kg for cattle with more traditional breeding. Lighter heifers weighing 350kg to 450kg sold from 208p/kg up to 235p/kg, with Charolais types commanding higher prices.