Balla Mart manager Michael Murphy said there were approximately 630 cattle and cows on offer, up by about 400 head on the same week last year.

He added that the strong trade for all types of cattle has helped raise numbers as farmers are being tempted out to sell stock due to the high prices.

The trade for all types of cattle was very strong again, with plenty of demand for all types.

The quality of cattle on offer usually drops during the summer months, but that has not really been the case this year, with a good supply of top-quality cattle on offer each week.

Another feature has been a good supply of short-keep and slaughter-fit cattle passing through the mart.

The main driver of this has been the strong trade and high prices paid, particularly for good-quality heavy types.

Bullocks

There were a few bullocks over 600kg that were met with strong demand. Prices ran to over €1,000 along with the weight at the top of the market.

Other types sold mainly from €800 over and upwards.

Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg, with top-quality types making over €2.40/kg.

Plainer types and Angus made from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg.

Bullocks from 400kg to 500kg were fairly plentiful and remain a steady trade. Prices ranged mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg or from €800 to €1,100. Better-quality U grades made up to €1,250.

This March 2015-born Charolais bullock weighed 600kg and sold for €1,325 (€2.21/kg).

This September 2016-born Charolais bullock weighed 450kg and sold for €1,060 (€2.36/kg).

This April 2016-born Charolais bullock weighed 510kg and sold for €1,235 (€2.42/kg).

This April 2016-born Limousin bullock weighed 475kg and sold for €1,145 (€2.41/kg).

These seven Angus and one Shorthorn bullocks were all born in 2016 weighed 373kg on average and sold for €875 each (€2.35/kg).

This May 2015-born Limousin bullock weighed 585kg and sold for €1,235 (€2.11/kg)

Heifers

Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1,100 to €1,350 for average-quality types. Top-quality U grade heifers made from €1,500.

Heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for R grades.

This January 2016-born Charolais heifer weighed 520kg and sold for €1,200 (€2.31/kg).

This April 2015-born Charolais heifer weighed 560kg was bid to €1,200 but not sold (€2.14/kg).

This March 2016-born Charolais heifer weighed 410kg and sold for €1,145 (€2.79/kg).

This May 2015-born Charolais heifer weighed 495kg and sold for €1,365 (€2.76/kg).

This April 2015-born Charolais heifer weighed 450kg and sold for €1,230 (€2.73/kg).

This April 2015-born Limousin heifer weighed 395kg and sold for €1,000 (€2.53/kg).

This May 2016-born Charolais heifer weighed 365kg and sold for €945 (€2.59/kg).

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