Store cattle sell to an exceptional firm trade at Markethill

Most noticeable were the very high prices achieved for heavy cattle, both heifers and steers.

Buyers from throughout Northern Ireland were at ringside along with export agents.

HEIFERS: The 200 heifers sold in the best trade so far this year, especially for forward lots. Good quality forward heifers from £200 to £222 for 560k at £1245 for a Poyntzpass farmer. Top price £1285 for 600k (214). Several pens of heifers averaged in excess of £2 per kg. A Poyntzpass farmer averaged £209 for 10 heifers. Good quality middleweights sold from £190 to £219 for 462k at £1010 from a Keady farmer. Lightweight heifers from £190 to £231 for 332k at £765. Second quality heifers sold steadily from £170 to £185 per 100 kilos.

Forward heifers: Poyntzpass farmer 562k £1245 £222.00; Poyntzpass farmer 550k £1195 £217.00; Poyntzpass farmer 600k £1285 £214.00; Armagh farmer 526k £1120 £213.00; Armagh farmer 550k £1170 £213.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 550k £1165 £211.00; Armagh farmer 550k £1165 £211.00; Armagh farmer 520k £1100 £211.00; Armagh farmer 530k £1120 £211.00.

Middleweight heifers: Keady farmer 462k £1010 £219.00; Loughgilly farmer 476k £1040 £218.00; Armagh farmer 490k £1060 £216.00; Ballygawley farmer 474k £1020 £215.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 452k £970 £215.00; Moira farmer 468k £1000 £214.00; Poyntzpass farmer 470k £960 £204.00; Keady farmer 454k £925 £204.00.

Lightweight heifers: Rathfriland farmer 332k £765 £231.00; Keady farmer 350k £750 £214.00; Rathfriland farmer 344k £725 £211.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 394k £830 £211.00; Rathfriland farmer 390k £815 £209.00; Milford farmer 380k £780 £205.00; Newtownhamilton farmer 350k £710 £203.00.

BULLOCKS: The 220 bullocks continued to return a very good trade. Heavy bullocks sold to £1270 for 622k (204) from a Tandragee farmer. Main demand from £190 to £208 for 556k at £1155. Good quality middleweights sold from £190 to £223 per 100 kilos with a top of £244 for 396k at £965. Forward Friesian steers sold to £1045 each for 622k (168). All suitable Friesians from £140 to £162 per 100 kilos. Middleweight Friesians from £135 to £153 for 426k at £650.

Forward bullocks: Ballygawley farmer 556k £1155 £208.00; Cullyhanna farmer 520k £1025 £204.00; Tandragee farmer 622k £1270 £204.00; Dungannon farmer 554k £1100 £198.00; Cullyhanna farmer 530k £1040 £196.00; Cladymore farmer 552k £1080 £196.00.

Forward Friesian bullocks: Rathfriland farmer 622k £1045 £168.00; Rathfriland farmer 650k £1050 £162.00; Rathfriland farmer 720k £1130 £157.00; Camlough farmer 548k £835 £152.00; Coalisland farmer 606k £920 £152.00; Rathfriland farmer 608k £920 £151.00; Coalisland farmer 604k £905 £150.00; Banbridge farmer 590k £875 £148.00.

Middleweight bullocks: Kilkeel farmer 396k £965 £244.00; Kilkeel farmer 394k £880 £223.00; Cladymore farmer 382k £835 £219.00; Kilkeel farmer 348k £760 £218.00; Newry farmer 410k £890 £217.00; Loughgilly farmer 444k £950 £214.00; Kilkeel farmer 416k £890 £214.00; Donaghcloney farmer 354k £760 £215.00; Cladymore farmer 422k £880 £209.00.

Middleweight Friesian bullocks: Richhill farmer 426k £650 £153.00; Armagh farmer 462k £670 £145.00; Ballygawley farmer 440k £630 £143.00; Cullyhanna farmer 456k £650 £143.00; Cullyhanna farmer 4542k £640 £142.00; Kilkeel farmer 446k £630 £141.00; Gilford farmer 460k £645 £140.00; Katesbridge farmer 446k £625 £140.00.

WEANLINGS: The 105 weanlings sold readily with good quality males from £200 to £241 for 340k at £820. Good quality heifers from £190 to £232 for 252k at £585.

Male weanlings: Middletown farmer 340k £820 £241.00; Newry farmer 318k £760 £239.00; Keady farmer 258k £600 £233.00; Derrynoose farmer 284k £660 £232.00; Kilkeel farmer 256k £555 £217.00; Armagh farmer 346k £750 £217.00; Armagh farmer 374k £810 £217.00.

Heifer weanlings: Crossmaglen farmer 252k £585 £232.00; Middletown farmer 338k £740 £219.00; Keady farmer 334k £720 £216.00; Milford farmer 368k £760 £207.00; Armagh farmer 282k £530 £188.00; Gilford farmer 368k £695 £189.00.

A large entry of sucklers sold in an excellent demand to a top of £1480 for a Lim heifer and bull calf. Several outfits sold from £1100 to £1430 each.