There were 390 weanlings bulls and 190 weanling heifers on offer at Skibbereen Mart’s weanling show and sale. A clearance rate of 99% was reached, with prices ranging from €2.20/kg to €2.80/kg, with most falling in the €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg bracket.

Manager Tom McCarthy said: “The quality of the weanlings was excellent. There was some great cattle in them. Most of them were weaned and on meals and it showed. The yard was relatively quiet.

“Bulls sold away fine. The best-seller was the Charolais from 300kg to 350kg. They’re making from €2.50 up to €2.70 or €2.80/kg. Limousins would be close behind, about 10c to 15c back on similar weights, and the Blues are going OK, but there’s no exporters as such at the ringside here.”

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Commenting on the heifer trade, he said: “It’s a trade that has come back over the last month really. I’ve seen them come from a position that they were about 10c/kg ahead of bullocks, whereas now they are behind bullocks by that much.”

Bullock numbers were back a little on account of the weanling sale, but demand was steady. Angus and Herefords made from €375 up to €500 over the €/kg, with continentals sellling from €400 to €675 with their weight. Heifers made from €310 to €705.

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Weanlings and plainer stock seeing price pressure at marts