Mart prices: weanling bulls in demand at Balla

There was a strong trade for all types of stock at Balla Mart on Saturday. There was a special sale of weanlings in conjunction with the usual cattle sale. Farmers were quite active for all types of stock, as were agents.

Heavy bullocks were met with strong demand once again. Aged bullocks were an improved trade, with plenty of buyers for all heavy bullocks. Bullocks over 500kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg for average-quality types, with the best bullocks selling from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg. Plainer-quality bullocks sold mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg.

Farmer buyers were active for lighter types also, with the best demand for better-quality R and U grades. Those from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.10kg to €2.20/kg, with U grades making over €2.40/kg.

Heifers were a slightly better trade than last week, with plenty of bidders for all types of stock. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.00/kg for average-quality types, with plenty of U grade heifers selling for over €1,500/head. Heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg.

The weanling trade was strong, especially for bulls, which saw farmers, feeders and exporters active for all types. The best trade was for 300kg to 400kg bulls. These sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg, with top-quality types making over €2.70/kg. Top-quality well-muscled bulls sold for over €1,100/head. Bulls from 400kg to 500kg were improved also, with well-muscled export types seeing the best prices.

Weanling heifers from 300kg to 400kg were a strong trade also. These sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.45/kg, with U grades selling for over €2.70/kg.

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