Weanling sales are running ahead of 2019 prices, to the tune of €0.20/kg, analysis of Irish Farmers Journal MartBids data shows. This equates to a €70 average per-head increase compared with the same period last year.

The analysis looked at prices for the start of August, the start of special weanling sales around the country. During this period, the data points to average quality weanlings making between €2.30/kg and €2.40/kg, up from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg for the same period in 2019.

At this time of year, most stock are autumn weanlings in the 300kg to 400kg weight category. Weanling bulls in this category saw an average of €2.42/kg being paid over the past week, rising to €2.70/kg for the top third of lots.

On the female front in the same weight division, the average settles at €2.36/kg, rising to €2.67/kg for that upper end.

Charolais and Limousin continue to be the most popular sires among these weanlings.

Looking at the Charolais bulls, we see the average rose to €2.54/kg, increasing to €2.79/kg for the top third.

With a similar increase for the Charolais heifers, the Limousin breed saw bigger numbers through the rings, but the average remained closer to the overall.

Mart managers around the country are reporting very little exporter activity yet, but good farmer activity. Central Auctions’ Michael Harty told the Irish Farmers Journal: “It’s great to see the confidence around the ring – suckler farmers needed a lift.”

Elphin mart manager Gerry Connellan said: “ Numbers are small, but lighter weanlings are a great trade.”

On page 44 of this week’s marts focus, we delve deeper into the data and look at the average prices paid per breed for each of the four main weight divisions, broken down into the top, average and bottom.

For mart coverage, see pages p42-43 and p50-53