Thursday 8 January saw a great start to the year for cattle at Enniskillen Mart. In total, 404 lots were entered, clearing at 99%, with 18% being sold online.

According to mart manager, James Johnston, confidence in the trade remains high.

“Weanling prices have improved from December and store prices are holding steady,” he said.

The main supply and demand on the day was for quality weanlings, with a good show of calves on offer to tempt buyers.

Prices paid for mainly Charolais weanlings weighing 330kg to 480kg, ranged from 400p/kg to 530p/kg.

The top price of £2,280 was paid on two occasions for Charolais males, weighing 440kg and 480kg.

Other classes

There were smaller seasonal entries from the other classes of stock, however, trade was steady. Calves peaked at £870 for a two-month-old Aberdeen Angus bull, while a heifer made £850.

Store bullocks peaked at 428p/kg, paid for a June 2024-born Charolais weighing 525kg at £2,250, followed by an October 2024-born Charolais weighing 455kg at £1,950.

In-calf sucklers topped at £2,680 for a 2021-born Shorthorn cow, while a 2019 Limousin made £2,580.

Supply of fatstock was limited, although prices paid were sharp. A July 2024-born Charolais bullock weighing 790kg, made £3,010 (381p/kg), while a May 2024-born 725kg Limousin sold for £2,730 (376p/kg).

Cows peaked at £2,480 (370p/kg) for a 2018-born 670kg Limousin, followed by another Limousin at 655kg making £2,260 (345p/kg).