Numbers were well up at Saturday’s sale at Balla Mart. Mart manager Michael Murphy said that there were a lot more farmers showing cattle much earlier this year in comparison to normal, with the strong trade enticing them out to the market earlier.

Buyer activity was very strong also despite Brexit negativity and the depressed beef trade. There was a good entry of heavy bullocks and heifers on offer over 600kg.

The better quality bullocks were a flying trade and sold from €1,300 to €1,500 with ease. Store bullocks over 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for good continental types.

There was a share of plainer Angus and Hereford stores which sold from €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg depending on quality.

Store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg were a good trade with farmer buyers quite active. Prices ranged mainly from €2.15/kg to €2.25/kg with better quality types selling for over €2.50/kg.

Light weanling bulls were a steady trade and sold from €600 to €700/head. The main supply of 300kg to 400kg bulls were met with good farmer demand and sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.60/kg.

The heifer trade was brisk where quality types were on offer. At the top of the market, well conformed heifers over 600kg sold to over €1,400/head while plainer types making from €1,200 upwards.

Heifers over 500kg were a steady trade; plainer types made from €1,000 to €1,100 with better quality continentals making over €1,200.

Light weanling heifers under 300kg sold mainly from €600 to €750 depending on quality. Heavier heifers over 300kg were a strong trade and mainly from €750 to €900. Top quality types made over €950.

Store heifers from 400kg to 500kg were a good trade also as farmers seem to be sourcing cattle earlier than usual. Prices ranged mainly from €950 to €1,150.