West Mayo breeder has champion at Balla weanling show and sale
THE Balla Mart weanling show champion title has been awarded to Westport breeder Jackie Keane for a Limousin heifer.
A very big weanling show and sale day saw a fine trade for bulls from the many export buyers around the ring all day, while an 11-month-old heifer weighing 370kg sold for €6,180 (€16.70/kg).
A lot of well fed, strong, well coloured weanlings were on show from some of the best breeders in the county.
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Winner of 2nd in the Best Belgian Blue Heifer Class was P.J. Gallagher from Enniscrone (left), receiving his prize from Anthony Murphy, Balla Mart, representing Sweeney Oil, sponsors.Image 2 of 4
Winner of 1st prize in the Best Charolais Bull Calf Class was Johnathan Jordan from Castlehill, Ballina (left), receiving his prize from Eddie Kelly, Edward Kelly Plant Hire, sponsor).Image 3 of 4
Winner of 1st prize in the Best Limousine Bull Calf Class was Conor Killeen from Killala (left), receiving his prize from Michael Maloney of Michael Maloney & Associates Agri Consultants, sponsor.Image 4 of 4
Winners of 1st and 2nd prize in the Best Charolais Calf Class, Amanda Tarpey (1st) and Ian McDonnell (2nd) from Charlestown, receiving their prizes from Michael Murphy, Balla Mart, representing sponsor T.J. Heneghan, MRCVS.Bulls 320/340kg performed best, making just over €2,000, compared with strong bullocks on Saturday. Bulls ranging from 350kg to 450kg met a brisk trade from exporters, making around €2,000, or €5.30/kg in general.
It was an improved trade on the last one, as can be seen by the averages below, with sales every Tuesday from now on.
Bulls 200kg to 350kg averaged €5.24/kg, bull weanlings 350kg to 450kg averaged €5.27/kg, while heavier bulls 450kg plus averaged €4.64/kg.
Top prices in the bulls included the following:
185kg BBX €1,020 (€5.51/kg)
320kg CHX €2,280 (€7.13/kg)
360kg CHX €2,400 (€6.67/kg)
415kg BBX €2,500 (€6.02/kg)
500kg LMX €2,760 (€5.52/kg)
There was a lot of farmers to buy the heifer calves, especially those suitable for breeding, while plainer types represented some value to buyers to feed on 'til next year.
Heifers exceeded €5/kg and the averages were: 200kg to 350kg €5.03/kg; 350kg to 450kg €5.45/kg - up 42 cent/kg; 450kg plus €5.15kg - up 40 cent/kg.
A Belcarra, Castlebar, farmer had a smashing 11-month-old heifer weighing 370kg that sold for €6,180 (€16.70/kg).
A farmer from Athenry saw a November 2025 Belgian Blue heifer weighing 395kg making €5,900 (€14.94/kg).
Top prices in the heifers included:
320kg CHX €2,650 (€8.28/kg)
380kg BBX €2,650 (€7.21/kg)
440kg LMX €4,600 (€10.45/kg)
370kg LMX €6,180 (€16.70/kg)
395kg BBX €5,900 (€14.94/kg)
The weanlings will be sold again today (Tuesday, September 8), with a weanling sale also on Tuesday, September 15, with booking on Thursday next from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 0818 301 401.
SHOW WINNERS
Class 1 - Best Charolais Bull Calf, sponsored by Edward Kelly Plant Hire: 1st Lot 163, Jonathan Jordan, Castlehill, Ballina; 2nd Lot 219, Paddy Reilly, Parke, Castlebar.
Class 2 - Best Charolais Heifer Calf, sponsored by T.J Heneghan (MRCVS): 1st Lot 889, Amanda Tarpey, Charlestown; 2nd Lot 880, Ian McDonnell, Charlestown.
Class 3 - Best Limousin Bull Calf, sponsored by Michael Maloney & Assoc.: 1st Lot 251, Eamon Killeen, Carrowlacken, Ballina; 2nd Lot 164, John Mulkeen, Knock.
Class 4 - Best Limousin Heifer Calf, sponsored by Nutrias Animal Feeds: 1st Lot 920, Jackie Keane, Clogher, Westport; 2nd Lot 1014, Patrick J. Gallagher, Enniscrone.
Class 5 - Best BB Bull Calf, sponsored by McEllins of Manulla: 1st Lot 367, Patrick J. Gallagher, Enniscrone; 2nd Lot 114, Seamus Egan, Knockanillaun, Ballina.
Class 6 - Best BB Heifer Calf, sponsored by Sweeney Oil: 1st Lot 1003, Brian Lynskey, Hollymount; 2nd Lot 1017, Patrick J. Gallagher, Enniscrone.
Champion, sponsored by Raymond Clarke: Lot 920, Jackie Keane, Westport.
SPECIAL SALE
A special breeding heifer sale will take place at Balla Mart on Friday evening, September 18, at 5.30 p.m. A scanning cert is required that heifers are correct for breeding.
Booking is on Thursday, September 10, from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 0818 301 401.