Mayo versus Dublin may be on the minds of most Mayo farmers this weekend, but it did not distract from today’s sale at Aurivo Mart, Balla, Co Mayo. Demand was strong and a slightly bigger entry of stock on last week was met with firm demand. All good-quality continental bullocks were a steady trade. Bullocks over 600kg were met with the best demand once again and sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg, with better-quality types selling for up to €2.45/kg. Lighter bullocks from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for quality continentals. Lesser-quality Limousin and Angus types with a dairy background sold from €1.90/kg to €2.20/kg, with quality a major factor.

Heifers were a firm trade with forward types over 600kg selling from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for top-quality types. Lighter store heifers sold from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg for most good-quality continental types.

The cull cow trade was strong, particularly for fleshed cows. Heavy fleshed R+ and U grade cows sold from €2.00/kg to €2.15/kg. Feeding continental types made from €1.80/kg to €1.95/kg in the main.

Special weanling sales commence on Tuesday 8 September.