Saturday's sale in Balla mart saw another strong and steady trade for all good quality cattle, even plainer types were a little easier sold than a few weeks ago.

Grass buyer demand continues to dominate with farmers and agents active.

The bullock ring saw strong demand again, the highest demand was for quality forward types, all good quality stores were a strong and steady trade.

Bullocks

Heavy bullocks were a strong trade and made from €1,200 to €1,400 with U grades hitting highest prices. One April 2014 born 890kg bullock made as much as €1830. Stores from 500kg to 600kg sold from €2.10/kg to €2.25/kg mainly with top quality U grades making over €2.45/kg. There was a good entry of bullocks over 400kg on offer and they sold mainly from €900 to €1100 with the best quality types making over €1,200.

Heifers

Demand for heifers has slightly stronger today, but the quality on offer was improved also. Farmers were active for all quality types, even plainer Angus crosses from the dairy herd were an improved trade on the day. Heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg with heavier types making from €2.30/kg to €2.45/kg. Demand for weanling heifers was solid also and prices of €2.45/kg to €2.65/kg were commonplace for those from 300kg to 400kg.

Steady trade at Headford

The Saturday sale at Headford mart saw another strong trade for all good quality cattle types.

Bullocks made from €200 to €880 with the top price being achieved for a 520kg Charolais cross. Heifers made from €345 to €875 over, with strong farmer demand for all continental types. The highest price on the day was a good quality 615kg Charolais cross.

Weanlings and cows

Farmers were said to be active for weanlings. Weanling bulls made from €335 to €730 over the weight. Weanling heifers made from €415 to €810 over, with a 410kg Limousin fetching the top price. Suckler cows made from €1,140 to €1,810. Cull cows made from €600 to €1,300.

Lambs made from €100 to €119 per head. Hoggetts made up to €80 to €99 per head and cull ewes made from €50 to €95 per head.

There is a special sale in Headford mart next Saturday 4 June for continental bullocks, heifers and weanlings.