There was another strong trade for all types of bullocks and cull cows at Balla Mart on Saturday, with heifers lagging a little behind the bullocks where lesser-quality types were on offer. In total, there were more than 700 head on offer, with about 160 of these being cull cows. There was also a special clearance sale of a dairy herd on offer.
Heavy bullocks were met with strong demand from farmers and agents. Those over 500kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg. Top-quality types sold for €2.40/kg to €2.55/kg, which was paid for a top-quality 490kg Limousin bullock that made €1,250.
Stores from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.10kg to €2.15/kg. There was very strong demand for light weanling bulls, and these sold from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality types, which was a good rise on the previous week.
There were about 260 heifers on offer and the trade for good-quality types was steady. Heifers from 500kg and upwards sold from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types. The best price was for a 600kg heifer which sold for €1,650 or €2.75/kg. Heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg. Weanling heifers sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40kg.
Continental cull cows were a very strong trade. The best dry cow weighed 905kg and sold for €1,850 (€2.04/kg). Most fleshed continental cows sold from €1.75/kg to €1.85/kg. Older and plainer-quality cows sold mainly from €1.50/kg to €1.60/kg. In-calf cows sold to a top price of €1,700/head.
There was a special clearance sale of 27 dairy cows which was met with a mixed trade. Early calving young cows sold from €1,300/head to over €1,400/head. However, older cows and those calving in May were met with weaker demand and lower prices of €800/head to €1,050/head.
Ringside Comment: prices strengthen as farmers and feeders increase activity
Camera at the Mart: calf prices start stronger than expected
Camera at the Mart: increased northern demand boosting prices