The first of the main breed societies’ premier spring sales kicked off last weekend in Roscrea, for the Limousin Cattle Society. While averages matched that of the equivalent sale last year, a lower clearance rate was achieved from a smaller number presented for sale.

This weekend we’ve seen the Simmental premier take centre stage in Roscommon on Saturday.

The catalogue saw a number of special bulls – both on paper and from previous success in the show ring. The general consensus was for a positive trade for the 60 odd bulls and 30 heifers put forward.

Saturday also saw the second of the Midland & Western mixed breed sales taking place in Carrick-on-Shannon. Both the Charolais and Angus again put forward the highest entries, which should be a good indicator for the two weeks that follow. This will see the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association, Irish Angus Society and Irish Charolais Society all host their spring sales.

Dairy influence

Angus breeders have reported a slow start to private bull sales, but with the main market being dairy farmers that focus on spring calving, the hope is trade will improve steadily over the next two months.

The Charolais Society has gone through a vigorous inspection process which has seen 100 bulls forward from the 220 entries, so quality is bound to be high.

Trade was a lot better than expected at the recent Stirling bull salesr in Scotland, so a similar story is likely if overseas buyers descend to Elphin on 24 March.

The Hereford society also sees their premier sale taking place in Tullamore on 21 March. Similarly with the Angus breed, it sees the dairy farmer as one of its key market drivers. If weather holds up, the dairy sector appears to have no problem purchasing the beef bull early. So only time will tell.

Blue’s blues

The Belgian Blue Society is yet to finalise numbers for its premier on 15 April, but with falling calf numbers in the beef sector due to the drop in demand for the extreme muscly type weanling, it is likely to see a tough trade similar to the autumn premier.

On the dairy side, the Irish Holstein Friesian Association will see its spring sale take place on 22 March.

Private sales from a number of breeders have given a positive outlook, particularly for the more Friesian-bred animal. This is likely to continue for the coming month, given the drop in dairy heifers numbers and increased beef bull usage due to poor milk prices last year.

To keep up to date with all the action at the sales follow us on snapchat with username “farmersjournal” or on twitter @FJ_pedigree as well as on www.farmersjournal.ie

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