With slightly improved weather and a relatively small entry of bullocks, the trade at Balla was a little stronger than last week.

Heifer prices were improved slightly also, but again it was the quality that was selling the stock.

At the top of the trade, heavy store bullocks over 600kg sold from €1.80/kg to €2.00/kg for good continentals and to over €2.10/kg for U grades.

There were some plainer types on offer also, which sold for around twice the weight.

Stores

Stores from 400kg to 500kg sold from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg and to over €2.40/kg for the top third.

Where weanling bulls were on offer, they were not met with the same price drops as heavier cattle. Good weanlings from 300kg to 400kg sold from €750 to €890/head.

Heavy continental heifers were a slightly stronger trade. At the top of the market, heavy heifers over 600kg sold from €1,300 to €1,400.

Average-quality types made from €1,150/head to €1,250/head. Those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg for average-quality types with prices of over €2.15/kg paid for better types.

Stores from 400kg to 500kg made from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg for average-quality types and up to €2.30/kg for better types. Light heifer weanlings from 300kg to 400kg were a touch better also selling from €750 to €900/head.

Tough trade

In-calf heifers were a tough trade with a good proportion going unsold. At the top of the market, some fancy springer heifers sold to €1,600/head. However, most of the bidding for in-calf heifers calving in October was under the €1,200/head mark, which left sellers disappointed.