Wednesday 22 April saw 380 head make their way to Dungannon Mart in Co Tyrone, with a clearance rate of 98% achieved.

It was a smaller weekly sale than normal, but given the sale fell within the early part of the first dry spell in months, the priority among farmers was to catch up on field work.

While the live trade has softened over the past month on the back of reduced factory prices for finished cattle, prices for lighter and middle-weight 2025-born weanlings still appear to have found a solid base, with grass buyers now active around the rings.

Continental

Last Wednesday, 200 to 300kg continental lots generally sold between 550 and 600p/kg, while 400 to 500kg lots made 400 to 450p/kg. Heavier continental cattle around the 500kg mark sold for prices close to 400p/kg.

Dropped calves have seen a price drop in recent weeks, with data from the Livestock and Meat Commission showing first quality continental bulls are down in price by £65 since early March to average £825. However, over the same period, first quality Friesian bulls are back by nearly £150 at £275 per head.

The overall downward pressure on the market continues to be contradicted by the top prices being paid.

At Dungannon last Wednesday, the highest price paid for a dropped calf was for an April-born Limousin bull at £1,040.

The top weanling was a July 2025 Limousin male at 550kg which made £2,200 (550p/kg).

This August 2025-born Charolais male weighed 445kg and sold for £2,190 (492p/kg).

This April 2025-born Blonde D'Aquitaine male weighed 445kg and sold for £1,890 (445p/kg).

This February 2026-born Blonde D'Aquitaine male weighed 200kg and sold for £1,190 (595p/kg).

This August 2025-born Aberdeen Angus male weighed 315kg and sold for £1,200 (379p/kg).

This September 2025-born Aberdeen Angus male weighed 285kg and sold for £1,180 (414p/kg).

This March 2025-born Limousin male weighed 540kg and sold for £1,940 (360p/kg).

This February 2025-born Blonde D'Aquitaine male weighed 445kg and sold for £1,890 (425p/kg).

This June 2025-born Simmental male weighed 420kg and sold for £1,770 (421p/kg).

This July 2025-born Limousin male weighed 550kg and sold for £2,200 (400p/kg).

This May 2025-born Charolais male weighed 505kg and sold for £2,090 (414p/kg).

This July 2024-born Limousin male weighed 520kg and sold for £2,040 (392p/kg).