Saturday's sale at Balla mart in Co Mayo saw good activity at all three rings for good quality stock.

There were more plainer quality cattle on the day which were met with mixed demand, especially in the heifer ring. Good quality stores in all categories were a firm trade.

Steers

The steer trade again was steady backed by firm farmer and dealer demand. Buyers were most active for quality forward stores on the day. Steers over 600kg were a strong trade with good quality types making from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg and with U grades making up to €2.40/kg.

Lighter store bullocks from 500kg to 600kg were a strong and steady trade also and sold from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg and with U grades making up to €2.60/kg.

Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg made from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg for average quality types or about €1,125 for 450kg. Lighter types saw strong demand for quality with 300kg to 400kg selling mainly from €800 to €1,000.

Heifers

The heifer trade continues to be a little slower than the bullock trade but better quality types are firm. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg saw steady demand for better quality types and prices ranged mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg for average quality types with U grade making from €2.50/kg to €2.60/kg.

Lighter store heifers from 400kg to 500kg saw prices remain steady for quality types but lesser quality types continue to be a little easier. Prices range mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.50/kg for average quality types and from €2.10/kg to €2.25/kg for lesser quality types.

Cows

The cow trade continues to be fairly steady, particularly for forward and short keep types. Slaughter fit cows sold mainly from €1.80/kg to as much as €2.10/kg for choice lots. Feeding types sold from €1.65/kg to €1.80/kg.

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