Last Thursday’s sale at Ballymote Mart saw a strong entry of 270 head on offer for the special bullock sale.

Mart manager Stephen Hannon said that there was a good entry of stores and forward bullocks, with plenty of buyers active. Stephen said that the trade was very strong demand for heavy bullocks over 600kg that were suitable for a short-keep finish.

In terms of demand, there were feedlot buyers actively sourcing continentals and traditional-bred bullocks, with some specialist finishers snapping up black and white heads.

The sale itself was very strong and Stephen said that an almost 100% clearance was achieved. The mood was positive at the ringside from both sellers and buyers.

Forward Angus and white head bullocks sold freely from €2.20/kg to €2.35/kg, which was well up on recent weeks.

In terms of the strongest prices, Stephen said that the top of the trade saw €2.60/kg being achieved for those from 500kg to 600kg, while other strong prices included a 500kg continental bullock making €1,400 or €900 over the weight, while even light stores sold to €1,200 for 425kg or €775 over the weight.

The average 600kg bullock sold for €2.25/kg or €1,350/head, while better-quality U grade bullocks around 600kg made up to €1,550/head.

Lighter stores from 500kg to 600kg were plentiful on the day and sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg or from €700 to €825 along with the weight.

Stephen said that the main demand for these stores were those sourcing for grass, with a view to finishing them off grass in the autumn.

There was a good share of lighter bullocks on offer also, from 450kg to 500kg. Again, grass buyers were actively sourcing all good-quality types.

Prices in the main ranged from €1,150 to €1,200, with top-quality U grade types selling for up to €1,350 or €825 along with the weight.

Bullocks from 400kg to 450kg were met with strong grass demand also. The average 425kg continental bullock sold from €975 to €1,100, with some top-quality bullocks making as much as €1,200 or €775 along with the weight.

Commission rates are 2% to the seller to a maximum charge of €22 and €9 to the buyer.