Increased factory quotes this week seem to be having a knock on effect with buyers more active around the ring at Balla mart on Saturday for stock of all ages.

With current grass growth racing ahead of demand buyers were actively seeking stock with a renewed sense of optimism due to the lift in grass growth. Increased factory prices in the last couple has seen a similar lift in prices being paid at marts.

The bullock ring was the focal point on Saturday with heavier bullocks in demand and good quality stores available.

Bullocks

There was a strong trade for store bullocks of over 500kg, with high numbers passing through a busy sales ring. Bullocks weighing between 550kg and 650kg were in demand for short term finishers and were fetching increased prices of €2.16/kg up to €2.30/kg for plainer quality stock with continental U grade stores making anywhere between €2.40/kg and €2.55kg. Prices over €1,400 were not unusual for these type of animal on the day.

Lighter stores of between 400kg and 500kg were making between €2.40/kg and €2.80/kg with the higher prices for continental type stores. The pick of the lighter stores was a May 2015 born Charolais cross bullock weighing 415kg which made €1,250 (€3.01/kg).

Bullocks under 400kg also had a good trade with plainer type stock making €2.55/kg to €2.70/kg with U grade bullocks making up to €2.90/kg.

Heifers

Prices on offer for heifers have also improved due to increased demand. Heifers between 400kg and 500kg were available for approximately €2.40/kg for average quality stock with high quality continental heifers making highs of between €2.70/kg and €2.90/kg. Plainer Angus or Hereford types made lows of between €1.98/kg and €2.08/kg.

Weanling heifers of under 350kg were in good supply and were making between €2.75/kg and €3.20/kg for good quality stock or between €730 and €1000 per head. Plainer types made as low as €2.40/kg but these were in the minority.

Cows

Cows with calves at foot had interest from buyers with prices starting at €1,710 for a plainer four star Angus cow, with an Angus calf at foot, due to calve in September to a Limousin bull. The few springing heifers that were for sale made between €1,100 and €1,300 for heifers whose time was up.