This is a subscriber-only article
Tuesday’s sale at Ballymena Mart saw an entry of about 125 bullocks and heifers pass through the rings.
Bullocks over 600kg were scarce, but a solid trade. Prices averaged at £1.76/kg (€2.03/kg), backed by plenty of buyer demand. Continental bullocks from 500kg to 600kg are a firm trade also, with prices ranging mainly from £1.90/kg to £2.05/kg (€2.20/kg to €2.35/kg).
Friesian bullocks from 500kg to 600kg were plentiful and sold mainly from £1.35/kg to £1.65/kg or from €1.60/kg to €1.80/kg, depending on quality.
Lighter store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from £2.00/kg to £2.16/kg (€2.30/kg to €2.50/kg) for continentals. Friesians in the same weight range made about £1.40/kg (€1.60/kg). Light types under 400kg sold mainly for about £1.50/kg (€1.70/kg) on average, but the majority of these were lesser-quality types.
Heavy heifers over 550kg were mostly continentals and averaged about £2.05/kg (€2.36/kg). Those from 500kg to 550kg sold mainly from £1.90/kg to £1.95/kg (€2.18/kg to €2.25/kg). Lighter types from 400kg to 500kg were a solid trade and sold mainly from £2.00/kg to £2.20/kg (€2.30/kg to €2.53/kg) for good-quality types, while plainer types made from £1.60/kg to £1.90/kg (€1.84/kg to €2.18/kg).
Steady demand for quality but more plain cattle on offer at marts
Cattle prices: forward store up and numbers back
Quality light store prices holding firm at Ballinasloe Mart
SHARING OPTIONS: