Last Thursday’s sale at Ballymahon Mart saw another strong entry of about 330 cattle on offer. Heavy bullocks over 600kg were again met with strong demand. Prices ranged mainly from €2.15/kg to €2.25/kg or €1,300 to €1,350 for the average R grade.

Better-quality heavy types sold for over €900 along with the weight for a 685kg steer. Lighter types from 500kg to 600kg were scarce in number and sold mainly from €500 to €700 along with the weight. Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg sold from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality types, or from €550 to €650 along with the weight.

There were a good share of bulls on offer also. Heavy types over 400kg sold from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality types, while weanlings from 300kg to 400kg sold from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg for average-quality types. The top third averaged €2.90/kg or €1,015 for 350kg.

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Heifers were a solid trade. Those over 600kg sold from €2.30/kg for average-quality types (or €1,380 for 600kg) to €2.50/kg for U grades (€1,500 for 600kg). Those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €600 to €700 along with the weight, with top-quality types making €800 with the weight. Light heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €500 to €650 over. Commission rates are €18 to the seller and €10 to the buyer.

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