Double the numbers at first special weanling sale at Balla Mart

TUESDAY evening saw a fine sale of weanlings for the month of August at Balla Mart, with double the numbers on last year. The average price was €2,140, compared with €1,305 this time last year - up €835.

Bulls suitable for general export were up by approximately €2/kg on last year at €5.50/kg and the tops in the bulls averaged over €6.60/kg. Bulls were a very good trade, with anything of quality making plenty, with exporters eager for stock.

Bulls 200kg to 350kg averaged €5.83/kg, with the tops making from €6 to €7/kg. Bull weanlings 350kg to 450kg averaged €5.56/kg, while heavier Bulls 450kg plus averaged €5.38/kg.

A strong March ’24 born BB bull weighing 615kg made €3,600 for an Easkey, Co. Sligo, farmer for export to Holland.

Another cracking January ‘25 Charolais bull weighing 500kg made €3,240 (€6.48/kg) for a farmer from Dromore West in Sligo.

Prices in the bulls included:

305kg BBX €2,460

400kg BBX €2,960

480kg LMX €3,200

500kg CHX €3,240

Farmers were very active around the heifer ring, buying stock for feeding or potential breeders.

Lighter store heifers 200kg to 350kg averaged €5.82/kg, heifers 350kg to 450kg averaged €5.46/kg, and those 450kg plus averaged €6.11/kg.

Heifer prices included:

315kg LMX €2,200

400kg LMX €2,700

440kg BBX €2,820

Best in the heifers was a year old BBX weighing 440kg that was sold for €2,820 (€6.41/kg) by a farmer from Ballina.

The next Tuesday evening weanling sale will be in two weeks, on August 26, with booking on the previous Thursday (21st) on low call 0818 301 401 between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m.