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Saturday’s sale at Balla Mart saw another increased entry of about 850 cattle on offer.
The bullock ring saw 350 head on offer between bulls and steers, while there were about 400 heifers on offer and 100 cull cows. The bullock trade was strong once again with prices on par with last week.
Heavy bullocks over 600kg were not that plentiful, but where they were on offer, age was not a factor affecting prices. They sold from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg and up to €2.40/kg for U grades. Forward store bullocks from 500kg to 600kg were a firm trade with plenty of buyers present.
This Charolais bullock, born April 2015 and weighing 600kg sold for €1,250 (€2.08/kg).
Prices ranged mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg, similar to heavier types. At the top of the market, the best-quality forward store bullocks made over €2.50/kg.
Lighter store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg were steady and sold mainly from €900 to €1,250, with better-quality types selling from €2.60/kg to €2.80/kg.
Weanling bulls
There was a greater selection of weanling bulls on offer and these were met with strong demand. Forward feeding bulls over 450kg were a strong trade. There were plenty of buyers for these and prices ranged mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg.
This Charolais bull, born January 2017 and weighing 570kg sold for €1,450 (€2.54/kg).
Lighter types from 300kg to 400kg were a solid trade, and farmer buyers were active, particularly for Charolais and Limousin types. Prices of average-quality 350kg bulls ranged mainly from €850 to €950/head.
Heifers
The heifer ring saw a large selection on offer, with numbers well up on last week. Heavy heifers over 600kg were scarce but those from 500kg to 600kg were well sought after.
Prices of these ranged mainly from €1,150 to €1,350/head. The strongest demand was for good-quality types with good eight for age. Store heifers from 400kg to 500kg were available in large numbers and the trade was strong.
This Limousin cross heifer, born February 2016 and weighing 450kg sold for €980 (€2.18/kg).
Prices of average quality types ranged mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg with better quality heifers making from €2.50/kg to €2.65/kg. There were a good selection of weanling heifers on offer also. These sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg for average-quality types.
The best demand again was for Charolais and Limousin heifers, with the best-quality types selling from €2.70/kg to €3.00/kg. Light heifers from 220kg to 280kg sold mainly from €2.60/kg to €2.80/kg and for well over €3.00/kg for better-quality types.
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