Demand strong at Balla Mart for stores and weanlings

This week saw a special weanling sale take place alongside the usual entry of cattle at Balla Mart. The weather did have an effect on numbers though, with the entry slightly down on what was booked in on account of the roads.

The trade was very strong once again, with farmers and agents very active for all types of stock.

There were a good few heavy bullocks and heifers on offer over 600kg on offer, and the better-quality types were a very strong trade selling to over €1,300 frequently and up to €1,500 on occasion.

Store bullocks over 500kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.40/kg for better-quality types.

Store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg were a good trade, with farmer buyers a little more active for these. Prices ranged mainly from €2.15/kg to €2.25/kg, with better-quality types selling for over €2.50/kg.

The good entry of weanling bulls was met with brisk demand at times. While there were some smaller types on offer which sold from €600 to €700/head, the main supply of 300kg to 400kg bulls sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.60/kg. Heavy bulls over 400kg were a strong trade, with top quality Belgian Blue types making over €1,200/head.

The heifer trade was strong again like last week. At the top of the market, well-conformed heifers over 600kg sold to over €1,400/head with plainer types making from €1,200 upwards.

Heifers over 500kg were a steady trade, with current beef prices definitely having an effect on prices. Hereford and Angus heifers sold from €1,000 to €1,120 with better-quality continentals making up to €1,200. Light heifer weanling heifer under 300kg sold mainly from €650 to €750. Heavier heifers over 300kg sold mainly from €800 to €900 where the quality on offer was good, with some top-quality types making over €950. Store heifers from 400kg to 500kg were a good trade also as farmers seem to be sourcing cattle earlier than usual. Prices ranged mainly from €950 to €1,150.