There were buyers for most of the 700-plus bulls booked into the annual show and sale of weanling bulls at Carrigallen Mart last Saturday.

Farmers, feeders, shippers and agents of all shapes and sizes were active around the ring, with all of them staying the pace over the course of the sale. The use of internet bidding kept buyers around the ring on their toes too.

The overall champion at the Carrigallen Mart annual show and sale of weanling bulls. The February 2020-born Charolais-cross bull weighed 335kg and was sold to an online bidder for €1,400 (€4.17/kg).

As is typical of sales in Carrigallen, good-quality continentals were in high demand.

This December 2019-born Limousin-cross bull weighed 455kg and made €950 (€2.08/kg).

Bulls with age and weight on their side readily made between €2.60/kg and the magical €3/kg.

This February 2020-born Belgian Blue-cross bull weighed 395kg and made €970 (€2.45/kg). This calf was the runner-up in the Belgian Blue show class.

The rare sight of a Hereford or Angus bull was met with less interest and prices closer to €2.20/kg.

The overall show champion came from a local farmer from Co Cavan. The muscular February 2020-born Charolais-cross weighed 335kg and after a flurry of online and on-the-floor bids, the hammer fell at €1,400 or €4.17/kg.

This February 2020-born Charolais-cross bull weighed 365kg and sold for €970 (€2.65/kg).

The show runner-up was a mousey-coloured Charolais-cross bull. The February 2020-born bull weighed 390kg and sold for €1,300 (€3.33/kg).

This January 2020-born Limousin-cross bull weighed 410kg and sold for €1,010 (€2.46/kg).

There was less demand for the Belgian Blues with the coloured rosettes, even though they were strong and shapey cattle.

This February 2020-born Charolais-cross bull was the runner-up in the Charolais class of the show and sale. He weighed 390kg and the hammer fell at €1,300 (€3.33/kg).

Strong demand

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Carrigallen Mart manager Helen Kells said she was delighted with such a strong and consistent demand. Helen said this back end has been positive for the weanling trade.

This January 2020-born Belgian Blue-cross bull weighed 400kg and sold for €900 (€2.25/kg).

“We are delighted with how the sale went and the strong prices that were achieved throughout the day.

This February 2020-born Charolais-cross bull weighed 405kg and sold for €1,040 (€2.56/kg).

Buyers commented positively on the quality of cattle being as good as they had seen in years, which is a great credit to the farmers who are producing good weanlings. It would be a great boost for everyone if the great trade this autumn continued.

This nice March 2020-born Charolais-cross bull weighed 330kg and sold for €1,050 (€3.18/kg).

“The sale went well and that’s down in no small part to the team here and I thank everyone for their efforts.”

Finally, Helen thanked all buyers and sellers for adhering to Government social distancing and face mask guidelines.

This February 2020-born Charolais-cross bull weighed 455kg and sold for €1,150 (€2.52/kg).

The annual show and sale of weanling heifers will take place in Carrigallen on Saturday 10 October at 11am.

This strong November 2019-born Limousin-cross bull weighed 470kg and made €1,160 (€2.46/kg).