There was an increased entry of stock on offer at Saturday’s sale at Balla Mart. The trade was a little stronger, with buyers active for all types.

There was noticeably more farmer activity also, with farmer buyers sourcing all types of stock.

Heavy and out-of-spec stock were a better trade than last week, but the quality of bullocks on offer was very good.

Aged bullocks were selling for close on the same price as in-spec stock, with dealers and finishers snapping them up.

Heavy bullocks over 600kg saw better-quality types selling from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg.

Average-quality types over 600kg sold from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg and prices of these were steady on last week.

Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg were a relatively good trade, with more buyers present than last week.

However, prices struggled to pass the €2.00/kg mark for average R grade types. Better bullocks made over €2.10/kg.

Stores from 400kg to 500kg were a steady trade. Average-quality continentals in this weight bracket sold mainly from €950 to €1,100, with some making up to €1,200/head, but the majority struggled to pass €1,150.

Heifers were a good steady trade also. At the top of the market for heavy heifers over 600kg, these sold from €1,150 to €1,400/head, which was paid for top-quality heifers.

However, the majority of heifers were selling in the €1,100 to €1,200 price bracket.

Average-quality types over 500kg made from €1,000/head to €1,150/head, with some well-shaped types making over €1,200 at times.

Stores from 400kg to 500kg were a steady trade. Average quality types made from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg and up to €2.30/kg for U grade types.

Light heifer weanlings from 300kg to 400kg were a steady trade and prices ranged mainly from €750 to €850/head.