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There was a larger entry at Balla Mart compared with last week, and buyer activity held steady. The number of forward store bullocks and heifers on offer continues to tighten, so any that go on sale are quickly snapped up.
Bullocks over 600kg were generally good-quality continentals and sold mainly from €750 to €800 over the weight. Those from 500kg to 600kg were more common, and were met with firm grass buyer demand. Prices of these ranged mainly from €600 to €700 over for average-quality types, with better-quality bullocks making over €800 along with the weight.
Steers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €580 to €700 along with the weight. Angus and Herefords, and lesser-quality continentals, sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg.
This Limousin cross bullock, born August 2015 and weighing 510kg, sold for €1,350 (€2.65/kg)
Heifers
The heifer ring saw another good trade, with plenty of buyers present. Stores from 400kg to 500kg remained steady, but plainer types in that weight range continue to be a little bit easier than the average- or good-quality type. Prices ranged mainly from €850 for lesser-quality types to €1,100 for good-quality continentals, with fancy heifers making up to €1,200.
This Charolais cross heifer, born April 2016 and weighing 400kg, sold for €1,115 (€2.79/kg)
Heifers from 500kg to 600kg were another strong trade and sold from €600 to €700 over the weight. Top-quality U grade types made over €800 along with the weight, which is similar to last week. Heifer weanlings from 300kg to 400kg were a solid trade. There were plenty of farmer buyers for these and prices ranged mainly from €750 to €950 depending on weight.
Cows
The cow ring saw another large entry on offer and plenty of buyers present. Good-quality young fleshed cows sold mainly from €1.85/kg to €1.95/kg, with top-quality cow heifers making from €2.00/kg upwards. Age and weight were the main drivers of the price of feeding cows. Prices paid continue to be fairly steady, with most feeding cows selling from €1.50/kg to €1.75/kg.
Scroll through the gallery at the top of the page to see pictures from the sale.
At Headford Mart, there was a larger entry of 450 cattle on offer. Bullocks sold from €205 to €940 over the weight, while heifers sold mainly from €220 to €870 over the weight. The top-priced heifer was a 600kg Charolais which made €1,470, or €870 over.
The top-priced bullock made €940 over. Weanling heifers sold from €206 to €675 over the weight, with bulls making from €200 to €800 over. The top bull sold for €800 over, while the top heifer sold for €675 over. Cull cows sold from €650 to €1,590, with sucklers making up to €1,300.
Sheep sale
In the sheep sale, cull ewes sold to €116 with hoggets selling from €90 to €110 and spring lambs sold from €110 to €130. Ewes with lambs at foot sold from €155 to €215 for ewes with doubles.
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