Saturday’s sale at Balla Mart saw another slightly smaller entry, which is normal for the time of year. However, sale numbers are holding quite well when compared with last year.
In terms of the cattle on offer, most were good-quality continentals, with few lesser-quality cattle on offer. The trade remained firm on recent weeks, with plenty of farmers and agents active.
This bullock born June 2015 and weighing 580kg sold for €1,505 (€2.59/kg).
Bullocks over 600kg were scarce and demand was strong for these types, with prices ranging mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg. Stores from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg, with top-quality types making close to €2.50/kg.
Plainer sorts
There were some plainer types also that sold from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg. Stores from 400kg to 500kg were a steady trade once again, with plenty of demand. Prices ranged mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.35/kg, with better-quality U grades making from €2.40 to €2.55/kg.
This bullock born August 2016 and weighing 380kg sold for €1,020 (€2.68/kg).
There was a good number of weanling bulls and steers available also. These weighed mainly from 300kg to 400kg and sold from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg, with top-quality types making €2.70/kg to €3.00/kg.
Heifer trade
Heifers were a steady trade for good-quality types, but plainer lots were a little easier. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for average-quality lots. Top-quality heifers made from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg.
This heifer born March 2016 and weighing 390kg sold for €875 (€2.24/kg).
Heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg for R grades, while better-quality continental heifers made from €2.50/kg to €2.80/kg. There were some weanling heifers on offer, which sold from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg for those from 300kg to 400kg while lighter types made from €2.60/kg to €3.00/kg.
This Friesian cow born March 2014 and weighing 675kg sold for €965 (€1.43/kg).
The cow trade continues to hold fairly well. Feeding cows carrying some flesh were making from €350 to €450 along with the weight, while fleshed cows suitable for slaughter were making €1.75/kg to €1.95/kg depending on age and quality.
Scroll through the slideshow above for more photos from the sale.
Cattle prices: lower numbers don't affect trade at Skibbereen Mart
Cattle prices: less choice drives demand for quality at marts