There was a very steady trade for weanlings in Skibbereen, with lighter bulls under 330kg dominating the numbers.

Charolais and Limousin weanlings weighing between 280kg and 330kg sold from €2.30/kg up to €2.70/kg, with a small selection available over and under this price range.

Continental weanlings with R- or U-grading potential made up most of what was on offer in a very busy sale. Bulls over 350kg were few and far between, and what was on offer sold for between for €2.25/kg to €2.60/kg.

Angus and Hereford crosses made between €1.95/kg and €2.20/kg.

In the weanling heifer sale, trade was similar to bulls, with R-grading animals to the fore. Most heifers under 340kg sold for €2.30/kg up to €2.60/kg.

Sample weanling bull prices

These March 2017-born bulls weighed an average of 250kg and sold for €705 (€2.82/kg).

  • One Limousin, October 2016, 530kg, €1,200, €2.26/kg.
  • One Simmental, February 2017, 370kg, €930, €2.51/kg.
  • Three Charolais, March 2017, 331kg, €905, €2.73/kg.

    • This pair of March 2017-born Continental bulls weighed 355kg and sold for €905 (€2.55/kg).

  • Two Charolais, March 2017, 315kg, €830, €2.63/kg.
  • Three Limousin, January 2017, 248kg, €665, €2.06/kg.
  • Five Limousin, January 2017, 283kg, €740, €2.61/kg.

    • These two March 2017-born bulls weighed an average of 335kg and sold for €810 (€2.42/kg).

    These four March 2017-born bulls weighed an average of 301kg and sold for €720 (€2.49/kg).

    Sample weanling heifers prices

  • One Limousin, March 2017, 295kg, €750, €2.54/kg.
  • One Limousin, February 2017, 270kg, €690, €2.56/kg.
  • Three Angus, February 2017, 303kg, €630, €2.08/kg.
  • One Charolais, February 2017, 260kg, €630, €2.42/kg.
  • One Limousin, October 2016, 500kg, €1,000, €2/kg.

    • This September 2016-born Limousin heifer weighed 405kg and sold for €830 (€2.05/kg).

    Cows

    Forward dry cow prices held around the €250 to €565 over their weight mark.

    Store cows needing more feeding of both dairy and suckler types sold from €1.20/kg up to €1.35/kg.

    Parlour cows are beginning to emerge and they were a tougher trade, mainly selling from €100 over to €120 under the euro per kilo, with some falling outside this price range.

    Sample cow prices

  • One Blonde D’Aquitaine, 675kg, €1,050, €1.56/kg.
  • One Aubrac, 705kg, €1,155, €1.64/kg.
  • One Limousin, 775kg, €1,240, €1.84/kg.
  • One Charolais, 770kg, €1,295, €1.68/kg.
  • One Friesian, 740kg, €1,060, €1.43/kg.
  • One Friesian, 500kg, €675, €1.35/kg.

    • Read more

    More variable trade at the marts

    A guide to special and upcoming sales

    Strong demand for quality bullocks at Roscommon