Monday evening’s weanling sale at Granard Mart saw another strong trade for all good continental weanlings. The best demand was for better-quality Charolais bulls, with farmer activity increased in the last few weeks. With BPS money rolling out this week, it should see further improved demand.

The number of weanlings on offer was increased also, with the peak of sales expected in the coming weeks. At the top of the trade, top-quality bulls over 300kg sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.70/kg, with the best breaching the €3.00/kg mark with ease.

Plainer bulls are still a slower sell than better-quality types. However, they are still a lot easier sold than in recent weeks.

While average weanling prices were not increased to any great extent on Monday night, the improved demand meant that they were much easier sold. Heavy bulls over 400kg were met with good feeder demand and prices of these ranged mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.50/kg for good-quality types. Heifer weanlings were not as strong price-wise as bulls, but the trade was a little better than recent weeks, with more farmer activity. The average 300kg to 400kg heifer sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.50/kg and to over €2.60/kg for the best-quality heifers.

Commission rates are 1% to the seller with a minimum charge of €7 and €9 to the buyer.