Saturday’s sale at Balla Mart saw another strong entry of stock. In the bullock ring, top-quality types over 600kg sold mainly from €550 to €650 along with the weight, while types from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €600 to €650 along with the weight. Plainer Angus types in the same weight range sold for about €2.00/kg, or €500 to €600 over.
The trade for store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg was firm, with plenty of farmers bidding. Top-quality types in that weight range sold from €580 to €620 along with the weight, while average-quality types made from €500 to €600 over. Plainer bullocks sold from €480 to €520 along with the weight.
The trade for good-quality forward heifers was quite strong, but plainer and lighter types were well back on last week. Those with plainer heifers who were not getting high prices were reluctant to sell, resulting in a low clearance rate at times.
Supply
Heifers over 600kg were in short supply, but were met with strong demand. Prices for these ranged mainly from €600 to €650 over the weight, with age and quality having a big effect on price. Forward store heifers from 500kg to 600kg saw a reasonably steady trade for good-quality lots. Prices of average quality types ranged mainly from €500 to €600 along with the weight, while plainer types in the same weight range sold from €450 over the weight and upwards.
This Charolais cross heifer, born March 2014 and weighing 655kg, sold for €1,290 (€1.97/kg).
Store heifers from 400kg to 500kg saw price fall since last week, especially for plainer types. The average heifer sold from €450 to €520 over, while plainer lots sold for around €400 over. Heifers from 300kg to 400kg were a weak trade, with the poorest-quality types bid to about €350 over the weight, while better-quality types sold mainly from €400 to €500 over the weight.
Cows
The cull cow ring saw firm demand for good-quality fleshed cows. Prices for these were strong, with several good-quality 750kg types making over €1,200. However, light old store cows sold from €1.00/kg to €1.30/kg, with the main supply of feeding cows making from €1.40/kg to €1.60/kg.