Camera at the Mart: northern buyers drive Ballyjamesduff trade

Ballyjamesduff Mart held its weekly cattle sale on Tuesday 1h June, where a large number of cattle were on offer, with three rings in action.

The good weather did not affect turnout of cattle. There were around 100 heifers for sale on the day, with a similar showing of bullocks.

The sale also featured a good turnout of dry cows, with a reduced number of calves on offer, reflective of the time of year.

There was a great turnout of heifers, with both better-quality continental-type heifers and dairy-beef heifers on offer.

The majority of the lighter continental-type heifers made north of €4.20/kg, with one of the top prices in the weanling section being an August 2024-born Charolais-cross heifer weighing 305kg selling for €1,420 (€4.66/kg).

Heavy heifers

Heavier heifers also sold well, with a stylish November 2023-born Belgian Blue heifer weighing 530kg selling for €2,500 (€4.72/kg).

There was a large number of dairy-bred Aberdeen Angus heifers in the sale, with the majority of these selling for between €3.60/kg and €3.90/kg, with stronger types reaching near €4.00/kg. A pair of April 2024-born Aberdeen Angus-cross heifers weighing 378kg made €1,490 each (€3.94/kg).

A nice selection of continental weanling bulls were on offer and these were in high demand, with an autumn 2024-born Charolais-cross bull weanling fetching €1,500 (€5.26/kg).

The bullock trade was strong, with around 100 on offer. Lighter continental-type bullocks were a flying trade, with a November 2023-born Limousin-cross bullock fetching €1,940 (€4.91/kg).

The demand was also strong for heavier bullocks and factory-fit bullocks, with a 645kg dairy-bred Aberdeen Angus-cross bullock selling for €2,220 (€3.44/kg).

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, mart manager John Telvin said: “Northern buyers are pushing on the price of younger stock in particular.”

Ballyjamesduff Mart will hold its next machinery auction on 25 June.