Cattle at Markethill sell to a very firm trade

Sellers and buyers from throughout Northern Ireland were present along with export agents.

HEIFERS

Highlight of the sale was the excellent entry of 330 store heifers which included several large consignment of top quality stock. Forward heifers to £1240 for 568k (218) from a Poyntzpass farmer whose consignment of 38 heifers averaged £190 per 100 kilos. All good quality forward heifers sold readily from £190 to £215 per 100 kilos. Middleweight heifers to £237 for 382k at £905 from a Gilford farmer. Main demand for good quality middleweights from £190 to £213 per 100 kilos. Second quality heifers sold readily from £170 to £180 per 100 kilos.

Forward heifers: Poyntzpass farmer 568k £1240 £218.00; Poyntzpass farmer 546k £1190 £218.00; Armagh farmer 572k £1230 £215.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 556k £1170 £210.00; Armagh farmer 578k £1210 £209.00; Armagh farmer 586k £1210 £206.00; Portadown farmer 516k £1055 £204.00; Lisnadill farmer 516k £1055 £204.00; Armagh farmer 514k £1050 £204.00; Newry farmer 600k £1220 £203.00.

Middleweight heifers: Gilford farmer 382k £905 £237.00; Banbridge farmer 368k £785 £213.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 372k £780 £210.00; Armagh farmer 388k £810 £209.00; Banbridge farmer 388k £800 £206.00; Poyntzpass farmer 426k £890 £209.00; Poyntzpass farmer 456k £950 £208.00; Poyntzpass farmer 498k £1025 £206.00.

BULLOCKS

The 310 bullocks maintained a steady demand. Heavy bullocks sold to £217 for 574k at £1245 from a Hilltown farmer. All top quality lots sold from £200 to £213 per 100 kilos. Good quality middleweights from £195 to £212 for 450k at £955. Suitable Friesian steers to £151 for 542k at £820. Top price friesians £965 for 664k (145). Main demand from £140 to £150 per 100 kilos.

Heavy bullocks: Hilltown farmer 574k £1245 £217.00; Armagh farmer 574k £1220 £213.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 544k £1150 £211.00; Belleek farmer 502k £1030 £205.00; Armagh farmer 508k £1040 £205.00; Belleek farmer 504k £1030 £204.00; Richhill farmer 508k £1030 £203.00; Hilltown farmer 588k £1190 £202.00.

Friesian bullocks: Stewartstown farmer 542k £820 £151.00; Dromara farmer 508k £760 £150.00; Dromara farmer 508k £760 £150.00; Dromara farmer 574k £850 £148.00; Dromara farmer 542k £800 £148.00; Dromara farmer 576k £850 £148.00; Dromara farmer 598k £870 £146.00; Loughgilly farmer 664k £965 £145.00.

Middleweight bullocks: Belleek farmer 450k £955 £212.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 492k £1030 £209.00; Middletown farmer 454k £940 £207.00; Collone farmer 496k £1025 £207.00; Armagh farmer 446k £910 £204.00; Armagh farmer 452k £920 £204.00; Middletown farmer 402k £815 £203.00; Armagh farmer 410k £830 £202.00.

WEANLINGS

The 180 weanlings returned a steady trade. Good quality bulls from £200 to £234 for 316k Lim at £740. Hefiers from £190 to £236 for 276k at £650.

Male weanlings: Moy farmer 316k £740 £234.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 356k £825 £232.00; Sixmilecross farmer 336k £765 £228.00; Moy farmer 320k £720 £225.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 370k £820 £222.00; Dungannon farmer 352k £780 £222.00; Sixmilecross farmer 334k £740 £222.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 366k £795 £217.00.

Heifer weanlings: Newtownhamilton farmer 276k £650 £236.00; Collone farmer 284k £640 £225.00; Armagh farmer 278k £615 £221.00; Lisburn farmer 286k £580 £203.00; Markethill farmer 306k £665 £217.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 336k £680 £202.00.

Suckler outfits sold at £1270, £1260 and £1250 each.