Ringside activity was driven by buyers from Northern Ireland at the weekly cattle sale at Ballina Mart, Co. Mayo yesterday (Tuesday, November 10).

The sale saw a smaller showing of cattle versus the previous eight weeks, with a total of 660 head of cattle on offer.

Stylish continental bullocks of all weights continue to be sought by farmers, factory agents and Northern Irish buyers, according to mart manager Billy Loftus.

Ballina Mart has seen great export trade over the past 10 weeks for bullocks in the 500-750kg range, with 18% of bullocks sold on Tuesday heading north.

Despite this demand, a slight easing of 10c/kg in this animal category was reported, while plainer lots of bullocks are back 15c/kg on previous weeks.

Heifers

200 lots of heifers were sold at Tuesday's sale, with trade remaining similar to previous weeks.

The number of store heifers was down on other weeks, while heifers suitable for breeding sold for over €5.00/kg.

Feedlot buyers remained extremely active, but saw their focus shift mainly towards beef and very forward type animals, according to Loftus.

As with the bullocks, plainer type Angus and Herefords remain harder sold.

There were 60 cows for sale on the day, with coloured cows in the 600-700kg range topping out at €4.00/kg.

A number of summer grazed cattle were sold, with the general mood low among these farmers, saying that cattle are only covering costs in 2026 after great years in 2024 and 2025.

Mayo-Sligo Mart holds its cattle sale every Tuesday at Ballina Mart.