Last Tuesday’s sale at Mayo-Sligo Livestock Mart, Ballina, saw another strong trade for a smaller show of cattle. The calf sale which took place after the cull cow and suckler cow sale was met with very good demand. The calves on offer were mixed quality between Angus and Hereford out of Friesian cows, to some Herefords out of Jersey-cross cows.

There were a good number of continental calves on offer also, the majority of which were out of continental cows. Charolais and Limousin calves sold mainly from €400 to €500/head, with top-quality types making up to €565/head for a cracking Charolais. The majority of buyers were sourcing these calves to place on suckler cows.

There was a share of good-quality Angus calves on offer also. Again, age and quality affected price, with the majority selling from €150 to €220/head.

Herefords were met with a little stronger demand and sold mainly from €240 to €280/head. However, plainer types with Jersey breeding in the background sold mainly from €125 to €180/head.

The main cattle sale saw continued strong demand for all store cattle. The majority of 400kg to 500kg bullocks and heifers sold from €1,000 to €1,200 for average- to good-quality types. Commission rates are €5 to €6.50 both ways to the buyer and to the seller.

Cattle prices: increased supply of plainer cattle on offer at marts

Cattle prices: flying trade for continental calves at Ballina Mart

Tuesday's calf sale at Ballina Mart saw a slightly smaller entry, but conitnued brisk trade for all quality types. Even Herefords with Jersey background were in demand.