Leinster Marts Kilcullen’s sale on Monday evening last saw keen demand exhibited for all lots on offer, with 98% of the 290 weanlings being sold on the night.

Mart manager Paddy Galvin noted: “There was solid farmer activity, but shippers were also active both ringside and online. Some select lots of calves reached highs of €7/kg on occasion.”

Bull weanlings suitable for export crossed the €5/kg barrier with relative ease, with many of these types selling between €5.40/kg and €5.80/kg.

More farmer-type lots or heavier bulls saw prices of circa €4.70/kg to €5/kg being paid, though some farmers seeking better types did battle with exporters.

Bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold to an average of €5.30kg, with a price range of €4.70-€5.90/kg being paid for these types

The majority of bulls on offer were Limousin and Charolais-crosses, with these being favoured by both sets of buyers.

Heifers were smaller in number and were primarily being sought by farmer buyers, selling in the main between €4.40/kg and €4.80/kg, with exceptional quality lots selling above this.

One stand out price was a 285kg Belgian Blue-cross heifer selling at €2,100 (€7.36/kg).