Autumn weanling sales are just starting to kick off around the country. Over the past month, the number of cattle available at marts has been lower than the same time last year. As a result, the past few weeks has seen a more variable trade for weanlings and many farmers have chosen to refrain from selling until the trade steadies and more buyers are active.

Weanling prices in the past few weeks are running about 20c/kg to 25c/kg behind the same time last year. For the average 350kg weanling bull, this equates to about €75/head to €80/head back on last year’s prices. However, prices are still about 10c/kg or €35/head above 2014 levels.

Presentation and quality is key

With a little more pressure on price in recent weeks, farmers who are bringing cattle to sales should select and prepare the calves well in order to maximise sale values. Firstly, if you are entering weanlings into special show and sales, it is important to bring good-quality weanlings to the sale in order to match weanling type to the demand.

Weight for age to maximise returns

When selling weanlings, it is vital to maximise weight for age. Analysis of mart prices through the MartWatch system shows that the top 10% of weanlings weighing 220kg to 270kg sold for €750 on average in the past year. The same quality bull weighing 310kg more sold for €927/head, some €177/head more than a top-quality light calf.

Getting weanlings prepared for weaning and sale starts up to two months before the projected sale date

Weaned properly and eating concentrates is crucial

Calves need to be weaned properly and healthy at sale. Getting weanlings prepared for weaning and sale starts up to two months before the projected sale date. Stress at weaning and sale can bring on sickness such as pneumonia.

For that reason, weanlings should be dosed well in advance of weaning to ensure lungs are healthy when stress increases.

Meal feeding is also critical. While this does add cost, if targeted correctly there may actually be a return in the form of improved performance in the runup to sale. It is important not to over-feed weanlings before sale.

Buyers are active for weanlings that are weaned correctly and eating meal as this will help them to limit stress at purchase.

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