Over 600 cattle were sold in Balla on Saturday, with trade just slightly cooler than it has been over the last few weeks. However, excellent prices were still achieved for quality cattle.
The use of face masks was very evident around the ring, as farmers get to grips with the latest COVID-19 rules for marts. It is critical that farmers continue to adhere to these measures to help ensure marts can continue to remain open for the busy autumn sales period.
Bullocks
Bullocks from 350kg to 400kg averaged €2.27/kg, while the top third made €2.52/kg. In the 400kg to 500kg weight range the average price paid was €2.29/kg, with the top third of animals making 2.58/kg. The 500kg to 600kg bullocks included a large entry of early maturing dairy-cross types and averaged €2.03/kg, with better-conformed continental types mostly making from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg. Bullocks over 600kg averaged €2.07/kg and made up to €2.35/kg (€1,740) for a 27-month-old 740kg Charolais.
Heifers
Heifers were back by around 4c/kg to 5c/kg on the week. This was most evident in the upper weight ranges. Heifers from 350kg to 400kg averaged €2.29/kg, with the top third making €2.58/kg and topping out at €4.35/kg for a stylish January 2020-born Belgian Blue weighing 375kg (€1,630).
In the 400kg to 500kg weight range the average price paid was €2.20/kg, with €2.25/kg to €2.35/kg being easily achieved for good R grading types. Those weighing 500kg to 600kg averaged €2.08/kg, with a typical range of between €2.10/kg and €2.25/kg for continental lots. In the 600kg+ category the average price was €2.07/kg, with the top third making €2.28/kg.
Cows
On average, cows were back by about €10/hd on the week; a larger entry of feeder cows pulled down the overall average. Younger, well-conformed cows carrying flesh achieved prices of between €1.90/kg and €2.05/kg, while feeding cows made €1.55/kg and €1.80/kg on the main.
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