Camera at the Mart: cattle trade remains steady in Ballymote

Ballymote Mart held its weekly cattle sale on Thursday, with good prices paid for all types of cattle.

There were 65 cattle on offer, with a clearance rate of 97%.

There was a reduced number of cattle on offer due to farmers making the most of the good weather.

The trade was strong for all types of cattle with the tightened supply helping to boost the trade.

There were a few stock bulls on offer, with a September 2023-born Aberdeen Angus bull sold correct and right for breeding for €2,980.

Cull cows were a flying trade. Some of the standout lots included a well-fleshed 835kg Aberdeen Angus cow selling for €2,980 (€3.57/kg) and a 720kg 2019-born Simmental-cross cow selling for €2,700 (€3.75/kg).

A February 2024-born vasectomised bull was sold weighing 515kg for €1,680 (€3.26/kg).

There were a few outstanding suckler outfits on offer, with a 2021-born Limousin-cross cow and her stylish January-born Charolais heifer calf at foot selling for €4,000. The cow was back in-calf again to a five-star Charolais bull.

There was a good selection of continental bullocks on offer. The quality of the bullocks combined with the demand from buyers resulted in these making the highest price per kg.

The majority made over €4.40/kg, with some bullocks crossing €5/kg. An April 2024-born Limousin-cross bullock weighing 300kg sold for €1,540 (€5.13/kg) and a June 2024-born Charolais-cross bullock weighing 420kg sold for €2,080 (€4.95/kg).

Heifers were a strong trade, with the majority of lighter continental-type heifers making over €4.20/kg.

A 295kg Charolais-cross heifer sold for €1,300 (€4.40/kg) and a 385kg August 2024-born Charolais-cross heifer sold for €1,670 (€4.34/kg).

A few plainer weanling heifers were sold, with a 265kg February 2024-born black Limousin heifer making €860 (€3.25/kg).

There were some top-quality heavier store heifers on offer, with standout lots including a stylish 595kg Charolais-cross heifer selling for €2,500 (€4.20/kg) and a 585kg Limousin-cross heifer selling for €2,410 (€4.12/kg).

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal after the sale, mart manager David Faughnan commented: “Light cattle are remaining a strong trade, with prices starting to ease back slightly for heavier factory fit cattle.”