15 bullocks, five customers wanted

It’s worthwhile preparing well for your day at the mart, whether buying or selling.

Having taken the decision to bring 15 bullocks to the mart in Carrick last Friday, I was a little apprehensive as I stepped into the seller’s box at half-past-one.

Going back a few days to Wednesday morning, I had brought a mixed bunch of Angus and Friesians into the yard for a “look”. Selling in the mart last year had taught me one valuable lesson. The fancy continental animal generally does well on any given day, but nicely put together batches of Friesian, Hereford or Angus can command their own premium — if the right buyers are ringside.