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Saturday’s sale at Balla Mart was the last of the year, and as a result saw a seasonal entry of cattle. There were about 320 cattle and more than 140 cows on offer. The trade was strong once again, with heavy bullocks and heifers continuing to be met with very strong demand.
There were fewer bullocks over 600kg than last week and prices averaged from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg, with U grades making over €2.40/kg. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1,100/head to €1,300/head or €600 to €700 over, with the best-quality lots making upwards of €2.45/kg or €1,350 for 550kg. The average 400kg bullock sold for about €950 to €1,050.
This Belgian Blue cross heifer born July 2016 and weighing 320kg sold for €920 (€2.88/kg).
There was a good share of lighter weanlings on offer, but quality at times was mixed. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €700 to €950, with quality a huge factor affecting prices.
The heifer trade was strong, with plenty of farmer buyers active for all types. The best demand was for better-quality heifers, and this helped prices. Those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1,150 to €1,350, with very top-quality types making up to €800 over the weight.
This Charolais cross heifer born December 2016 and weighing 350kg sold for €800 (€2.29/kg).
Heifers from 400kg to 500kg were more plentiful and prices of these averaged from €950 to €1,150. A share of plainer heifers sold from €2.05/kg to €2.10/kg. Heifers from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg or from €500 to €600 over the weight. Heifers under 300kg were a variable trade depending on quality.
This Limousin heifer born April 2016 and weighing 550kg sold for €1,260 (€2.29/kg).
The cow ring saw another brisk trade for all good-quality, well-fleshed cows. The majority of well-shaped fleshed cows sold from €1.70/kg to €1.95/kg, with top-quality light cows making from €2.00/kg to €2.15/kg.
This heavy Angus cull cow born 2008 and weighing 910kg sold for €1,560 (€1.71/kg).
Feeding cows sold mainly from €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg depending on quality. There were some Friesian cows on offer that made mainly from €100 to €250 over.
See more photos from the sale in the slideshow above.
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