Yesterday’s sale at Aurivo Balla Mart saw a small entry of about 300 head of cattle between weanlings, stores and cows. This was the last sale of the year with the mart re-opening on Saturday 9 January.

Despite a smaller sale, demand was quite steady with good crowds around the ringsides during the sales. The quality of cattle was good on the day, possibly a little better than the previous week when wet weather and snow deterred some entries.

Heavy bullocks over 600kg were in short supply on the day but those on offer were snapped up. Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.30/kg, with top quality types making from €2.50/kg to well over €2.65/kg. Lighter bullocks were a reasonably strong trade also. Bullocks from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.45/kg for average quality types.

Active buyers

Demand for heifer was strong with plenty of buyers active for good quality types. Plainer lots were a slightly slower sell than good quality types. Heavy heifers were available is smaller numbers. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.35/kg with top quality lots on the day selling to over €2.45/kg. Lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg were a relatively good trade on the day and sold mainly from €2.15/kg to €2.45/kg for average quality types while the top third made from €2.45/kg to over €2.65/kg.