Improved sentiment evident around the ring at Balla Mart

A combination of the dry spell of weather combined with the lifting of factory blockades translated into improved sentiment around the mart rings at Balla Mart.

The trade was stronger across the board and the mood was much improved. Numbers on offer were well up also, and despite this, there was enough demand present to lead to an improved trade for all types.

The bullock trade was a little better this week, but prices of heavy types were not really much changed on last week.

Quality bullocks

Those over 600kg sold from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg for average-quality types, with better-quality bullocks making over €2.10/kg.

There were not that many plainer quality heavy bullocks on offer this week. Stores from 500kg to 600kg were a little easier sold than last week and the quality on offer was good. The majority of these sold for around the €2.00/kg mark.

Stores from 400kg to 500kg were a good firm trade. Average-quality continentals in this weight bracket sold mainly from €1,000 to €1,100, with some making up to €1,200/head.

Heifers were a strong trade. At the top of the market for heavy heifers over 600kg, these sold from €1,200 to €1,400/head.

Show heifer

One very fancy, well-shaped heifer over 500kg made over €2,200/head, presumably to go on as a show heifer.

Average-quality types over 500kg made from €1,100/head to €1,200/head, with some well shaped types making a touch more than this.

Stores from 400kg to 500kg were a strong trade also with plenty of demand. Like bullocks, the quality of those on offer helped the trade.

Average-quality types made from €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg and up to €2.30/kg for U grade types. Light heifer weanlings from 300kg to 400kg were a steady trade and prices ranged mainly from €750 to €850/head.