There was a slightly smaller sale at Balla Mart on Saturday, with about 300 head of cattle on offer.

There were just two rings in operation, with slightly more farmers present than last week. Bullocks over 500kg were a little easier than last week, selling for about €1.91/kg for average-quality types. Top-quality bullocks sold to €695 along with the weight.

Those from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality types, with better-quality bullocks in the same weight range selling from €1,100 to €1,270/head.

There was a share of light bullocks on offer also. These sold from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg for average-quality lots, with better-quality types making up to €2.73/kg.

Heifers

Heifers were quite a strong trade for good-quality types. Those over 600kg sold to €1,390 for 625kg or €2.22/kg. Heifers between 500kg and 600kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg. Those from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg, with top-quality types making from €2.40/kg to €2.68/kg for a 470kg Charolais heifer. Heifers under 400kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg for average-quality types, with top-quality heifers making over €2.65/kg.

This 440kg Limousin-cross heifer born March 2017 sold for €800 (€1.82/kg).

This 615kg Charolais-cross heifer born May 2017 sold for €1,330 (€2.16/kg).

This 445kg Limousin-cross heifer born September 2017 sold for €940 (€2.11/kg).

This 540kg Charolais-cross heifer born June 2017 sold for €1,190 (€2.20/kg).

This 540kg Charolais-cross heifer, born June 2017 sold for €1,190 (€2.20/kg).

There were about 60 cows on offer, with cull cows making mainly from €1,000 to a top price of €1,545/head or €1.98/kg. Cows with calves at foot sold mainly from €1,200 to €1,690.