In pictures: strong grass buyer demand at Balla Mart

There was strong farmer and agent demand on Saturday at Balla Mart for all types of stores. Heavy bullocks were met with very strong demand. Those over 600kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg and for over €2.40/kg at times. However, the number of these on offer was low.

There was greater availability of bullocks from 500kg to 600kg and these sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types.

Top-quality U grades sold from€2.40/kg to €2.50/kg with ease, while lesser-quality types sold from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg.

Light stores from 400kg to 500kg were a very strong trade with plenty of farmer buyers active for all types, especially better-quality continentals. They sold from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for R grades and for over €2.60/kg for U grades.

Heifers were easy sold also. Heavy heifers were scarce but sold for up to €1,000 along with the weight at the top of the market while lighter heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg and upwards of €2.50/kg for U grade heifers.

Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg were a strong trade once again with plenty of demand around the ring. The average 450kg heifer sold for €2.30/kg with plenty making over €2.60/kg also.

The weanling trade was strong and steady. Heavy bulls were met with steady feeder demand, but those from 300kg to 400kg were the best trade with prices ranging mainly from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg for average quality types and up to €2.90/kg and €3.00/kg at the top of the market. Light bulls under 300kg were only available in small numbers but were a strong trade.

Weanling heifers sold at similar prices to bulls. The average 350kg heifer made about €2.50/kg while better heifers made over €2.85/kg.

The cull cow trade was slightly stronger than three weeks ago, with heavy slaughter fit cows making close to €400 over, while good quality well fleshed continentals making €300 to €350 over.