Large rise in available cattle

Marts: There has been a big rise in numbers of cattle on offer, and prices have eased back for all types at most centres, particularly for the plainer and lighter animals.

Many of the sale centres have recorded their largest sales of the year and some have had the biggest entry in years, which pushed sales well into the night.

There was a big entry at Bandon Mart yesterday, with the largest rise in bullocks. Prices were well held for quality animals, but the lower quality end of the double- punched cattle and light animals were an easier trade.