Heavy and short-keep bullocks saw an increase in demand and prices at Balla Mart on Saturday.
Average-quality bullocks over 600kg sold mainly from 2.10/kg to 2.20/kg, up about 10c/kg on last week. The top third saw an even greater improvement in prices and sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg, backed by strong feeder activity.
Forward store bullocks from 500kg to 600kg saw a slight improvement in average prices also, with the average bullock selling from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg. The number of bullocks on offer in that weight group was slightly higher than last week also.
However, stores from 400kg to 500kg were back slightly on last week, with prices averaging at €2.30/kg or €1,035 for 450kg. The top third in terms of quality were met with a steady trade on last week at €2.40/kg. Limousin and Charolais cattle were met with the strongest demand and generally sold for €2.42/kg to €2.43/kg.
Weanling bulls were back a touch on last week, but overall the trade was very strong. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg for average bulls, with the top third making over €2.80/kg. Bulls over 400kg sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.45/kg on average, with the top third making over €2.65/kg.
Heavy heifers were a strong trade, although some plainer types were a little easier bought than last week. Good-quality heavy heifers sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg and to over €2.40/kg at times. There were some plainer types on offer also, which sold for around €2.00/kg.
Forward stores over 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for good continentals, with top-quality heifers selling to over €2.40/kg at times.
Heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold for €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for average types, with the top third making over €2.50/kg.
Weanling heifers from 300kg to 400kg sold for €2.50/kg on average, with the top third making over €2.75/kg; both of these prices were back slightly on last week. Heifers from 200kg to 300kg sold mainly from €2.60/kg to €2.80/kg for average types and for €3.15/kg on average for the top third, both up on last week.