Heavy rain on Saturday morning meant there were plenty of farmers packed around the ringside at Balla Mart. Demand was still strong, but there were more lesser-quality stock on offer, which were not met with as strong a trade. That said, the prices paid for top-quality cattle were still very strong.
Bullocks over 600kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg for average-quality types. Top-quality bullocks made close to €2.40/kg, which is well up on the same sale last year.
Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg were met with good demand. Prices ranged mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types. Angus types still sold for around €2.00/kg.
Stores from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.15/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types. The top third sold for over €2.50/kg.
Bulls over 400kg were a strong trade also, selling from €2.30/kg to €2.45/kg.
Bulls from 300kg to 400kg were a strong trade where the quality on offer was good. Farmer buyers were very active for these types and they sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for R grades.
Quality was more so a factor in the case of lighter bulls. Those from 200kg to 300kg were a steady trade but some plainer types were a little harder sold.
Heavy heifers were met with strong demand from feeders, who were active for all types of strong, well-muscled heifers. Prices at the upper end often surpassed €1,400/head, with some heifers passing €1,700/head.
The average 600kg heifer sold for just around €2.10/kg. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality R grades with some U grades selling for over €2.40/kg.
Plainer heavy heifers were still a good trade, with Angus lots selling for around €2.00/kg. Stores from 400kg to 500kg were a little easier where lesser-quality types were on offer. But overall, good-quality heifers were a strong steady trade. Prices ranged mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg and up to €2.50/kg for top-quality heifers.
Lighter weanling heifers were a good trade also, with average-quality continentals selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg for those weighing from 300kg to 400kg. Lighter types were a little easier, but still sold for over €2.45/kg on average.
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