There was another good entry of cattle on offer on Saturday at Balla Mart, but overall numbers were lower than last week. The trade for bullocks was a little better than expected, but heifers were a slower sell.

The bullock sale saw plenty of farmers and agents active for all good-quality types but like previous weeks, plainer bullocks remain difficult. Bullocks over 600kg saw prices range from €1.80/kg to €2.10/kg, with price dependent on quality. Top-quality types sold to over €1,400/head. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg were a steady trade. However, prices struggled to pass the €2.00/kg mark for average R grade types. Better bullocks made over €2.10/kg.

This pair of Limousin cross bullocks born June/July 2018 and weighing 425kg on average sold for €1,010 each (€2.37/kg).

This Limousin cross bullock born April 2017 and weighing 910kg sold for €1,400 (€1.54/kg).

This Charolais cross bullock born June 2017 and weighing 555kg sold for €1,000 (€1.80/kg).

Stores from 400kg to 500kg were a slightly weaker trade than heavier bullocks, with quality again the main factor affecting prices. Prices ranged mainly from €900 to €1,000/head, with some making up to €1,050/head.

Heifers

Heifers were a weaker trade than bullocks, with less buyer demand. At the top of the market were some heifers over 600kg which sold from €1,100/head to €1,250/head. However, most heifers were selling from €1,000 to €1,100/head. Average-quality types over 500kg made from €950/head to €1,000/head with some well-shaped types making over €1,100 at times.

This Charolais cross heifer born March 2018 and weighing 460kg sold for €900 (€1.96/kg).

This Limousin cross heifer born April 2018 and weighing 555kg sold for €1,100 (€1.98/kg).

This Limousin cross heifer born September 2018 and weighing 440kg sold for €920 (€2.09/kg).

This Charolais cross heifer born June 2018 and weighing 395kg sold for €835 (€2.11/kg).

Stores from 400kg to 500kg were a little easier than bullocks of the same weight. Average-quality types made from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg and up to €2.10/kg for U grade types.

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