Last Saturday’s sale of weanling bulls and heifers was dominated by farmer buyer activity. Manager Eilish Curley reported on a good entry of 24 pens of heifers and 24 pens of bulls. Prices were very much influenced by quality, with a significant differential between good-quality suckler-bred cattle and plainer types.

Bulls weighing 300kg to 380kg sold on average from €2.30/kg to €2.90/kg, with the average price of all bulls sold recorded at €2.52/kg. Some top-quality and lighter lots weighing less than 300kg exceeded €3/kg, with good demand also for quality weanling bullocks from farmers purchasing for grass-based systems.

Heifers averaged €2.49/kg, with a similar differential also present. Top-quality heifers weighing 300kg to 370kg sold from €2.60/kg to €3.00/kg, with plainer-quality types back to €2.20/kg, while some dairy-crosses fell back under €2.00/kg. Heavier heifers weighing 370kg to 430kg sold from €2.15/kg to €2.45/kg on average, with some top-quality lots rising and exceeding €2.60/kg.

Calf entries are holding steady, with 90 head on offer. Prices ranged from €50 to €80 for light dairy-crosses, with good-quality Angus- and Hereford-crosses ranging from €170 to €280, while continental calves sold from €300 to €430 in general and a top of €566 for a super bull calf. Cows with calves at foot ranged from €1,120 to €2,000.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 1.75% to the seller.