Saturday’s general cattle sale at Balla Mart saw another steady trade for stores and weanlings. Despite Friday’s shock Brexit announcement, the negativity spun by beef factories did not have any impact on the live trade on the day.

Mart manager Michael Murphy said that in the past few weeks, there has been a stronger flow of cattle through the mart than in previous years. But despite this, demand was strong and prices have been firm. Forward continental bullocks from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality lots, with U grades making over €2.50/kg.

Continental stores from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types. Heifers over 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg and up to €2.40/kg for U grades. Store heifers from 400kg to 500kg were a steady trade and prices averaged from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg.

The trade for weanling bulls and heifers was said to be firm also, with the average 350kg bull making €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg, while heifers made from €2.45/kg to €2.60/kg for average-quality types. Michael did say that the trade for plainer and dairy-bred stock was back slightly on the day, as was the trade for cows, resulting from moves last week by factories to reduce cow quotes. Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 2% to the seller along with a €2 entry fee up to a maximum charge of €22.