Cattle numbers were down compared to last weekend’s bank holiday sale but prices for heavier stock stayed similar to last week. With only two of the three rings in operation in Balla on Saturday buyer numbers were high in both rings.

Bullocks

Prices for heavy bullocks of over 500kg were broadly similar to last week with plainer quality stock making between €2.17/kg to €2.24/kg and more continental types making up on €2.40/kg. However heavier type bullocks were scarce compared to previous weeks. One Limousin cross bullock weighing 645kg went for €1,445 or €2.24/kg, however similar type bullocks were in the minority.

Lighter stores between 400kg and 500kg were trading between €2.17/kg and €2.34/kg with plainer quality lots on offer this week. The average price paid remained generally constant between €950 and €1,100.

There was a good volume of young U grade continental bullocks weighing from 350kg to 400kg on offer which averaged between €1,100 and €1,200 or €3.01/kg to €3.15/kg.

Heifers

Heifers were a good trade with buyers active around the ring. A batch of lighter Angus cross heifers of under 350kg, bred from the dairy herd made between €1.72/kg and €1.91/kg. Better quality heifers under 350kg were going between €2.21/kg up to €2.55/kg on average with highs of up to €3.03/kg for choice lots.

There was also a strong trade for heavier heifers with prices between €2.30/kg and €2.64/kg with the lower prices for plainer Angus and Hereford heifers. A December 2014 Charolais cross heifer weighing 455kg made €1,235 or €2.71/kg.

Bulls

A batch of U grade continental weanling bulls weighing approximately 400kg made an average of €1,100 each on the day.