Another large sale for the time of year on Saturday at Balla Mart saw another solid trade for all types of cattle.
There was a high clearance rate also, with the majority of sellers satisfied with the prices received on the day.
The cow ring saw another solid trade for forward and slaughter fit types, but some plainer feeding cows were a little easier, due presumably to the time of year and a narrowing window for achieving cheap liveweight gain off grass before the winter.
Bullocks
Bullocks over 600kg were a flying trade once again, with many heavy types selling for more than €800 along with the weight with some top quality types making up to €1,000 along with the weight. The majority of average quality 600kg types were making €1,300 to €1,450.
Forward stores were a solid trade with feeders remaining active after finishing stock.
Those from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg with top quality types making over €2.40/kg or to over €850 along with the weight.
There were some plainer types too, mostly white heads and Angus crosses from a dairy background. Prices ranged mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg.
Bullocks from 400kg to 500kg were fairly plentiful and remain a steady trade selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg.
This Charolais cross bullock, bborn April 2015 and weighing 695kg sold for €1,375 (€1.98/kg).
This Charolais cross bullock, born November 2016 and weighing 350kg was bid to €700 but not sold (€2/kg).
This Charolais cross bullock, born November 2016 and weighing 435kg sold for €1130 (€2.60/kg).
This Charolais cross bullock, born August 2016 and weighing 370kg sold for €1,040 (€2.81/kg).
This Limousin bullock, born April 2015 and weighing 565kg sold for €1,250 (€2.21/kg).
Weanlings
There was an increased entry of weanling bulls which were a good trade. Those from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €800 to €1,000 for good quality types. There were some heavier bulls over 400kg on offer which sold from €1,000 to €1,200.
This Charolais cross bull, born November 2016 and weighing 340kg sold for €975 (€2.87/kg)
This Limousin bull, born May 2016 and weighing 370kg sold for €1045 (€2.82/kg).
This Limousin bull, born August 2016 and weighing 290kg sold for €840 (€2.90/kg).
Heifers
Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €1,100 to €1,350 for average quality heifers, while top quality U grade heifers made from €1,500.
Lighter heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg for R grades.
This Angus heifer, born May 2015 and weighing 550kg sold for €1,260 (€2.29/kg).
This Charolais heifer, born April 2015 and weighing 585kg sold for €1,305 (€2.23/kg).
This Charolais heifer, born April 2015 and weighing 475kg sold for €1,000 (€2.11/kg).
This Charolais heifer, born February 2015 and weighing 550kg sold for €1,180 (€2.15/kg).
This Charolais heifer, born May 2016 and weighing 350kg sold for €800 (€2.29/kg).
This Belgian Blue heifer, born June 2016 and weighing 465kg sold for €1,225 (€2.63/kg).
This Limousin heifer, born February 2015 and weighing 615kg sold for €1,470 (€2.39/kg).
Cattle prices: forward stores in short supply at Skibbereen Mart
Is a €1,000 net profit per HA achievable from suckling and sheep?