Cattle prices: fewer farmers around the rings but demand still strong

There were over 1,000 head of cattle on offer between stores, weanlings and cows at Balla Mart on Saturday.

While the mart rings were not as busy with farmers as recent weeks, there was still a firm trade for all types of stock.

Heavy bullocks over 650kg sold from €1,500 to €1,670/head for top-quality types, while plainer types sold from €1,300 upwards. Those from 600kg to 650kg sold mainly from €1,220 to €1,500/head.

There were a good number of good-quality heavy forward store bullocks on offer, which sold mainly from €1,150 to €1,330 for Charolais and Limousin types, while some Angus bullocks sold from €1,000 to €1,200/head.

There was strong demand from farmers and agents for all types of stores from 450kg to 500kg, and these sold mainly from €1,050 to €1,150 for average-quality continentals, while fancier types made up to €1,300/head.

Angus bullocks in the same weight range sold from €855 to €1,075, with quality having a big impact on prices.

There were a good few heavy weanling bulls on offer, which were a steady trade but prices of these are well back on the same time last year. Prices of bulls from 450kg to 520kg ranged mainly from €1,000 to €1,175/head.

Weanling bulls from 350kg to 400kg were a stronger trade than heavy bulls and good continentals sold from €850 to €1,000 with top-quality types making over €1,100/head.

Bulls from 300kg to 350kg old mainly from €800 to €900/head with some plainer types making from €700 upwards.

The heifer trade was not just as strong as the bullock trade. Heavy heifers over 600kg sold mainly from €1,200 to €1,360, but there were a good share of plainer types €1,050 to €1,100/head.

Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1,000 to €1,200 with some plainer types making from €900 to €1,000.

Demand for store heifers was strong, with prices not much under heavier heifers.

Average-quality types sold mainly from €1,000 to €1,100, with those showing more quality selling up to €1,200/head.

Demand for good-quality weanling heifers was strong and prices of those from 300kg to 400kg ranged mainly from €800 to €900, with plainer heifers selling from €600 upwards.

The cull cow trade was slightly stronger than three weeks ago, with heavy slaughter fit cows making close to €500 over, while good quality well fleshed continentals making €300 to €400 over.