Carrigallen Mart held its annual show and sale of weanling bulls last Saturday. With over 600 weanlings in the yard, it was one of the largest sales of bull calves this year.

Trade was brisk with some very good money paid for Charolais and Limousin cross calves in the 300kg to 400kg bracket.

With fodder now sorted on a lot of feeder farms farmer activity has risen in the past two weeks, adding an extra bite to the trade.

The general trade for good-quality weanlings in the 300kg to 400kg bracket was €2.40/kg to €2.70/kg with a premium paid for quality. Heavier bulls in the 400kg to 500kg bracket had fewer customers around the ring but still managed to make over €2.50/kg in many instances.

Mart manager Helen Kells said she was delighted with the trade with a number of new customers around the ring looking for good-quality continental calves.

"The top-quality calf was an especially good trade with some exceptional lots making in excess of €3/kg and a few calves purchased for further showing topping out at €4/kg. We are seeing a big difference in the quality lots this year with poorer quality, light calves struggling to hit €2/kg, while top-quality calves are hitting 3/kg and over."