TRADE was sharper on the week for a lesser quality when Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 1292 store cattle, where 745 bullocks levelled at 230.8p per kg (+0.6p on the week) and heifers averaged 228.5p (+3.7p) for 541 sold. 

A pen of five Limousin cross heifers weighing 250kg from Newton of Budgate, Cawdor, topped at 304p with heifers also hitting £1380 for a pair of 582kg Simmentals from Woodside of Balgaveny, Forgue. 

A trio of 294kg Limmy crosses from 196 Lennabirichen, Dornoch, led the bullocks at 292.5p and a 792kg Charolais cross from Deskie, Glenlivet, topped the gross trade at £1445. 

Young bulls (six) sold to 220.5p for a 390kg Charolais from Kierfold, Sandwick, and £900 for a 538kg Simmental from Home Farm, Wardhouse.

Of the Orkney and Shetland cattle, a pair of 370kg Charolais bullocks from Mucklehouse, Swannay, led at 275.6p with a pen of 352kg Charolais heifers from the same home at 257.1p. Charolais from How, Sanday, led the gross trade at £1195 for a 576kg heifer and £1180 for a 482kg bullock. 

LEADING prices:
 
Bullocks – Up to 250kg – Middleton of Brimms, Forss £530, 236.6p. 251-300kg – 196 Lednabirichen £860, Newton, Keith-hall 280.6p. 301-350kg – Mid Fleenas, Nairn £940, New Noth, Gartly 280.1p. 351-400kg – Mid Fleenas £1140, 289.3p. 401-450kg – Mid Fleenas £1155, 269.6p. 451-500kg – Bogentassie, Lumphanan £1160; Mid Fleenas 246.7p. 501-550kg – Braco Park, Rosehearty £1240; Auchernack, Grantown on Spey 235.1p. 551-600kg – Jacks Croft, Kingswell £1280, 218.4p. 601-650kg – Jacks Croft £1370, 216.1p. 651-700kg – Little Whiterashes, Turriff, Quarryhill, Aberchirder £1375; Stoneyhill, Longhaven 203.3p. 701-750kg – Deskie £1395, 194.3p. 

Heifers – Up to 250kg – Newton of Budgate £760; Bogallie, Botriphnie 235p. 251-300kg – New Noth, Gartly £820, 280.8p. 301-350kg – New Noth £885; Newton of Budgate 259.1p. 351-400kg – Leys Estate, Inverness £1045; Fairburn, Longmanhill 268.2p. 401-450kg – Mid Fleenas, Nairn £1180, 265.8p. 451-500kg – Heads of Auchinderran, Aultmore £1190, 250p. 501-550kg – Woodside of Balgaveny £1220, 230.2p. 551-600kg – Mains of Allanbuie, Keith £1180; Woodside of Balgaveny 237.1p. 601-650kg – Woodside of Balgaveny £1320; Deskie 211.5p. 

Young bulls – Up to 300kg – Bogallie, Botriphnie £500, 203.3p. 301-350kg – Stemster Mains, Halkirk £600. 351-400kg – Kierfold £860.