There were 176 animals on offer for the bullock and heifer sale on Wednesday in Elphin, 96 of which were were bullocks, with 80 heifers. The vast majority of bullocks (90) on display were 600kg+. Wednesday’s sale saw a 95% clearance rate.

The scarcity of store bullocks between 500kg and 600kg was highlighted by a 530kg 19-month-old Charolais bullock making €2,530 (€4.77/kg), which was the dearest animal of the day.

Reflecting on the price of 600kg+ bullocks, mart manager Ciaran Lynch stated: “Heavy, fleshy bullocks are a serious trade, the top third of them averaging €4.31/kg.

“Buyers consisted mainly of feed lot men, looking for well-dressed animals fit to kill now or within the next 40 days."

Commenting on the Northern Ireland export trade, Lynch said that it was “not as prominent” at this sale.

Of the heifers listed, 31 weighed more than 600kg, with the remaining 48 falling within the 500-600kg range. These lighter store heifers were a minimally better trade, with the top 33% averaging €4.35/kg. A 19-month-old heifer weighing 530kg sold for €2,480 (€4.68/kg), the best heifer price of the day.

Giving his outlook ahead of the autumn 2026 trade, Lynch explained: “Young 2025-born bullocks are hard to come by; most bullocks coming into us here are heavy."

This can be seen in the price difference, as the top third of stores between 500kg and 600kg where on average 35c more expensive (€4.66/kg) than heavier 600kg+ bullocks (€4.31/kg).

“Heifers, on the other hand, look to be the opposite way, with more store heifers available and heavier heifers slightly more expensive."

The next sale taking place in Elphin is a bullock sale on Wednesday 19 August.

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This Charolais-cross bullock weighing 770kg and born 27/03/24 sold for €3,610 (€4.69/kg).

This Charolais-cross bullock weighing 710kg and born 30/05/24 sold for €3,260 (€4.59/kg).

This Charolais-cross bullock weighing 755kg and born 28/06/24 sold for €3,200 (€4.24/kg).

This Charolais-cross bullock weighing 735kg and born 25/03/24 sold for €3,110 (€4.23/kg).

This Angus-cross bullock weighing 700kg and born 02/10/24 sold for €2,690 (€3.84/kg).

This Limousin-cross bullock weighing 650kg and born 27/02/24 sold for €2,600 (€4/kg).