Farmer and exporter demand sees heifers rise €20/head in Ballina

The heifer trade improved in Mayo-Sligo Mart in Ballina on Tuesday with some lots up by €20/head, according to the Mart Manager Billy Loftus.

Loftus said that weanling heifers were in demand, with farmers and agents competing for the best of the continental lots, the best heifers traded from €2.50-3.65/kg.

The heavier heifers also improved by €20/head on last week’s levels, he said, with beef heifers selling from €2.38-2.68/kg.

Sample heifer prices:

Limousin: 456kg – €1,270 or €2.79/kg
Charolais: 376kg – €1,055 or €2.81/kg
Limousin: 340kg – €990 or €2.92/kg
Charolais: 260kg – €950 or €3.65/kg
Charolais: 520kg – €1,235 or €2.38/kg
Shorthorn: 404kg – €1,240 or €3.07/kg
Charolais: 440kg: €1,180 or €2.68/kg

However, despite the increase in heifer price, the steer trade remained similar to last week, with lots trading from €1.94-2.57/kg.

Loftus said that exporters were back in the ring for the the lighter bull weanlings, but there was no real movement in price, with prices on par with last week.

Sample bull weanling prices:

Belgian Blue: 358kg – €1,145 or €3.20/kg
Charolais: 402kg – €1,100 or €2.74/kg
Charolais: 358kg – €1,000 or €2.79/kg
Limousin: 300kg – €990 or €3.30/kg
Charolais: 310kg – €1,000 or €3.23/kg

Cow trade

There was also a number of cow heifers on offer in Mayo-Sligo Mart on Tuesday, but Loftus said that prices varied depending on quality and colour.

A good three year Limousin cow with a Limousin bull calf sold for €1,700, these lots generally made €1,190-1,700 each.

Heavy and store cows made from €1.75-2.00/kg, with the top priced Charolais cow selling for €1,540 or €1.89/kg.

There was also a number of calves on offer in Mayo-Sligo Mart on Tuesday, good continental calves traded from €300-475, while Angus and Herefords made €225-350. Friesian bull calves traded from €50-125 each.