Last Saturday’s sale at Balla Mart saw another strong trade for all types of stock. Mart manager Michael Murphy said that there were approximately 630 cattle and cows on offer on Saturday, up three-fold on the same week last year. He added that the strong trade for all types of cattle have helped raise numbers, as farmers are being tempted to sell stock due to the high prices.

There were a few bullocks over 600kg on offer, but once they came into the ring, they were met with strong demand. As a result, better-quality types sold to over €1,000 along with the weight. Other types sold mainly from €800 over and upwards.

Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg, with top-quality types making over €2.40/kg or to over €830 with the weight. Plainer types and traditional breeds made from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg.

Bullocks from 400kg to 500kg were fairly plentiful and remain a steady trade. Prices ranged mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg or from €920 to €1,150, with better-quality U grades making up to €1,250. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1,100 to €1,350 for average-quality heifers, while top-quality U grade heifers made from €1,500. Lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for R grades.

Cattle price: numbers and prices up on last year at marts

Strong steady trade continues to draw larger numbers out

There were approximately 630 cattle and cows on offer, up three-fold on the same week last year.