Markethill Mart: Exceptionally firm trade for cattle

Buyers from throughout Northern Ireland and export agents were in attendance.

The 230 store cattle sold in a very strong demand, particularly the heavier type cattle.

Forward heifers sold to £237 per 100k for 532k Char at £1260 from a Ballynahinch farmer.

Top price £1355 for 656k Char (207). Angus heifers to £213 per 100k for 550k at £1170. Main demand from £195 per 100k to £221 per 100k.

Middleweight heifers from £195 per 100k to £225 per 100k for 378k at £850 for a Keady farmer.

Second quality heifers from £180 per 100k to £190 per 100k.

Forward steers to £219 per 100k for 570k at £1250 for a Newtownhamilton farmer. Top price £1360 for 656k Angus (207).

Main demand from £200 per 100k to £215 per 100k.

Good quality middleweight steers from £200 per 100k to £229 per 100k for 490k at £1120.

Friesian bullocks from £140 per 100k to £152 per 100k for 580k at £880.

The 120 weanlings sold in an excellent trade.

Good quality males from £220 per 100k to £287 per 100k for 272k Lim at £780.

Weanling heifers to £250 per 100k for 244k at £610 for a Rathfriland farmer.

A large entry in the suckler ring included an entry of in calf heifers from a Dungannon farmer.

These sold to a top of £1850, £1760, £1730 and £1700.

The sale average was £1575 each.

Forward heifers: Ballynahinch producer 532k, £1260, 237p: Newtownhamilton producer 606k, £1340, 221p: Killylea producer 550k, £1170, 213p: Newtownhamilton producer 612k, £1300, 212p: Newry producer 594k, £1260, 212p: Newtownhamilton producer 610k, £1290, 212p: 630k, £1310, 208p: Loughgilly producer 552k, £1145, 207p: Keady producer 592k, £1225, 207p.

Middleweight heifers: Keady producer 378k, £850, 225p: Keady producer 394k, £885, 225p: Mullaghbawn producer 392k, £850, 217p: Keady producer 344k, £730, 212: Mullaghbawn producer 384k, £810, 211p: Loughgilly producer 476k, £980, 206p: Killylea producer 488k, £990, 203p: Ballylane producer 474k, £960, 203p.

Forward bullocks: Newtownhamilton producer 570k, £1250, 219k: 606k, £1300, 215p: Newtownhamilton producer 612k, £1310, 214p: Keady producer 528k, £1130, 214p: Newtownhamilton producer 628k, £1335, 213p: Newtownhamilton producer 608k, £1280, 211p: Newtownhamilton producer 574k, £1200, 209p: Newtownhamilton 628k, £1310, 209p.

Middleweight bullocks: Ballylane producer 490k, £1120, 229p: Donaghacloney producer 364k, £830, 228p: Belleeks producer 404k, £900, 223p: Lisnaskea producer 448k, £945, 211p: Belleeks producer 454k, £950, 209p: 488k, £1010, 207p: Aughnagurgan producer 488k, £990, 203p.

Friesian bullocks: Derrynoose producer 580k, £880, 152p: 572k, £850, 149p: 662k, £960, 145p: Armagh producer 544k, £770, 142p.

Male weanlings: Annaclone producer 272k, £780, 287p: Markethill producer 218k, £620, 284p: Annalone producer 270k, £740, 274p: Keady producer 230k, £630, 274p: Annaclone producer 292k, £790, 271p: Markethill producer 278k, £745, 268p: 248k, £655, 264p: Annaclone producer 286k, £735, 257p.

Female weanlings: Annaclone producer 244k £610 250p: Collone producer 258k £640 248p: Keady producer 218k, £530, 243p: Markethill producer 248k, £590, 238p: Keady producer 244k, £580, 238p: Cortamlet producer 272k, £635, 234: Markethill producer 200k, £460, 230p: Annaclone producer 252k, £570, 226p.