Larger sales of cattle at marts

Marts: The number of cattle on offer peaks for the season at the marts yesterday where the trade was maintained for quality lots, while the plainer cattle were an easier trade.

There was a big improvement in the size of entry at Bandon Mart where the bullock trade continued very strong for quality continentals, with the heavier lots selling for up to €440 over, but the plain light Friesian stores were a quieter trade selling back to €90 over.

Heavy bullocks ranged €300 over to €440 over, lighter lots making €250 over to €350 over and Friesians selling at €90 over to €220 over. A lot of four Charolais weighing 592kg sold for €1,030, two Limousin weighing 665kg sold for €1,050, three Herefords weighing 525kg made €940, and four Friesians weighing 328kg fetched €485. The trade continued strong for the heifers with a plentiful supply of customer at the ringside. Continental heavy heifers sold for up to €340 over. Hereford and Angus stores ranged €170 over to €250 over.