Heavy rain on Saturday morning meant there were plenty of farmers packed around the ringside at Balla Mart. Demand was still strong, but there were more lesser-quality stock on offer, which were not met with as strong a trade. That said, the prices paid for top-quality cattle were still very strong.

Bullocks over 600kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg for average-quality types. Top-quality bullocks made close to €2.40/kg, which is well up on the same sale last year.

This Hereford-cross bullock born 2019 and weighing 365kg sold for €660 (€1.81/kg).

This Charolais-cross bull born March 2019 and weighing 420kg sold for €1,030 (€2.45/kg).

This Charolais-cross bull born March 2019 and weighing 425kg sold for €1,055 (€2.48/kg).

This Charolais-cross bull born April 2019 and weighing 370kg sold for €1,105 (€2.98/kg).

Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg were met with good demand. Prices ranged mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types. Angus types still sold for around €2.00/kg.

Stores from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.15/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types. The top third sold for over €2.50/kg.

Bulls over 400kg were a strong trade also, selling from €2.30/kg to €2.45/kg.

Bulls from 300kg to 400kg were a strong trade where the quality on offer was good. Farmer buyers were very active for these types and they sold mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for R grades.

Quality was more so a factor in the case of lighter bulls. Those from 200kg to 300kg were a steady trade but some plainer types were a little harder sold.

Heavy heifers were met with strong demand from feeders, who were active for all types of strong, well-muscled heifers. Prices at the upper end often surpassed €1,400/head, with some heifers passing €1,700/head.

This Charolais-cross heifer born March 2019 and weighing 320kg sold for €775 (€2.42/kg).

This Charolais-cross heifer born March 2019 and weighing 340kg sold for €965 (€2.84/kg).

This Charolais-cross heifer born March 2019 and weighing 295kg sold for €965 (€3.27/kg).

This Blonde d'Aquitaine-cross heifer born March 2018 and weighing 625kg sold for €1,425 (€2.28/kg).

This Blonde d'Aquitaine-cross heifer born March 2018 and weighing 530kg sold for €1,300 (€2.45/kg).

The average 600kg heifer sold for just around €2.10/kg. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality R grades with some U grades selling for over €2.40/kg.

Plainer heavy heifers were still a good trade, with Angus lots selling for around €2.00/kg. Stores from 400kg to 500kg were a little easier where lesser-quality types were on offer. But overall, good-quality heifers were a strong steady trade. Prices ranged mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg and up to €2.50/kg for top-quality heifers.

Lighter weanling heifers were a good trade also, with average-quality continentals selling mainly from €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg for those weighing from 300kg to 400kg. Lighter types were a little easier, but still sold for over €2.45/kg on average.

Read more

Mart prices: 'there are definitely more farmers to buy calves this year'

Ringside Comment: demand improves further and prices edge up

What's on in the marts