Exporters anxious for cattle at Mayo weanling sale

BALLA mart saw a larger sale of stock than last year for its spring evening weanling sale yesterday (Tuesday).

Weanlings were a great trade, with a lot of farmers and shippers pushing up prices. Bulls were sharper, with exporters anxious for cattle and giving great prices.

Bulls 200kg to 350kg averaged €3.59/kg while bulls 350kg to 450kg averaged €3.49/kg. Bulls 450kg plus were averaging €3.49/kg.

Quality bulls made between €3.50 to €4.50/kg, or up to €1,500 with their weight.

One CHX bull born June ‘23 and weighing 350kg made €1,690 (€4.83/kg), sold by a Claremorris farmer. While another BBX bull born April ’23 and weighing in at 565kg sold for €1,970 (€3.49/kg), bought online from a Co. Limerick farmer for export.

Heifers were also a good trade,especially fancy breeding types, and anything nice got a good price.

Lighter store heifers 200kg to 350kg averaged €3.14/kg and stock 350kg to 450kg averaged €3.39/kg.

One smashing LMX heifer weighing 395kg made €1,860 (€4.71/kg) and another, 385kg, made €1,780 (€4.62/kg), both born February ‘23.

There will be one more Tuesday evening weanling sale in two weeks' time - April 23.