Despite very poor grass growth in the area, a brighter day saw a lively trade at Balla Mart for all types of cattle.

The main demand was from farmer buyers and agents for farmers who are looking to source cattle to satisfy the seven-month retention period for the ANC scheme. Where a farmer is buying cattle now to meet the requirements of the scheme, they would have to be held until October.

As a result, the trade for bullocks and heifers was very strong. Most bullocks on offer were stores from 400kg to 500kg, and these sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.55/kg, up slightly on last week. Fancy light U grade stores sold from €2.60/kg to €2.70/kg and higher at times.

This 290kg Limousin bull born September 2017 sold for €900 (€3.10/kg).

This 290kg Limousin bull born September 2017 sold for €900 (€3.10/kg).

This 395kg Limousin bullock, born July 2017 sold for €1,040 (€2.64/kg).

This 395kg Limousin bullock born July 2017 sold for €1,040 (€2.64/kg).

There were some plainer types on offer also, mostly Angus, Limousins and Blues. These sold from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg. Forward store bullocks from 500kg to 600kg were a strong trade. Average-quality R grade continentals sold from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg or from €650 to €850 along with the weight. At the top of the market, prices ranged mainly from €2.55/kg to €2.65/kg or up to €1,000 over. Bullocks over 600kg were low in numbers and sold from €2.25/kg to €2.35/kg on average.

This 380kg Charolais bullock born May 2016 sold for €980 (€2.58/kg).

This 380kg Charolais bullock born May 2016 sold for €980 (€2.58/kg).

This 540kg Limousin cross bullock born March 2016 sold for €1,185 (€2.19/kg).

This 540kg Limousin cross bullock born March 2016 sold for €1,185 (€2.19/kg).

This 305kg Limousin cross bull, born August 2017 sold for €855 (€2.80/kg).

This 305kg Limousin cross bull born August 2017 sold for €855 (€2.80/kg).

There was a share of lighter weanlings on offer. Again, these were met with strong farmer demand, with more grass buyers active this week. Good R grade bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €850/head to €950/head, with top-quality types making over €1,050/head. Plainer types were a little improved also and sold from €450 to €500 over.

The heifer ring saw improved demand also, with many farmers commenting that prices were up on last week. Heifers over 500kg were met with strong finisher demand, and prices ranged mainly from €2.25/kg to €2.35/kg or from €700 to €750 over the weight, with top-quality U grade heifers making from €800 over and upwards.

This 490kg Limousin cross heifer, born March 2016 sold for €1,240 (€2.53/kg).

This 490kg Limousin cross heifer, born March 2016 sold for €1,240 (€2.53/kg).

This 395kg Charolais cross heifer, born March 2017 sold for €1,040 (€2.63/kg).

This 395kg Charolais cross heifer born March 2017 sold for €1,040 (€2.63/kg).

Farmers were also very active for nice-quality continental store heifers from 400kg to 500kg. These sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg for R grades, up slightly on last week. U grades were met with very strong demand at times and sold from €2.60/kg to €2.70/kg. Plain O and R- grade heifers in the same weight range sold mainly from €500 to €600 along with the weight.

This 440kg Limousin cross heifer, born March 2016 sold for €1,050 (€2.39/kg).

This 440kg Limousin cross heifer born March 2016 sold for €1,050 (€2.39/kg).

This 395kg Charolais cross heifer, born March 2017 sold for €1,040 (€2.63/kg).

This 395kg Charolais cross heifer born March 2017 sold for €1,040 (€2.63/kg).

Weanling heifers under 400kg were a good trade; again farmers were the main source of demand. Prices ranged mainly from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg or from €530 to €650 over the weight. Better-quality U grades sold from €2.80/kg to €3.00/kg or from €600 to €800 over the weight.

This 630kg pedigree five-star Simmental heifer, born October 2015 sold for €1,350 (€2.14/kg).

This 630kg pedigree five-star Simmental heifer born October 2015 sold for €1,350 (€2.14/kg).

This 530kg Charolais cross heifer, born April 2016 sold for €1,275 (€2.41/kg).

This 530kg Charolais cross heifer born April 2016 sold for €1,275 (€2.41/kg).

Read more

Forward stores in demand but calf trade under pressure

Strong trade continues despite the weather