Continental weanlings proved in very high demand in Ballinsloe Mart over the weekend resulting in a 95% clearance rate.

The majority of lots in the weanling part of the sale were Charolais, with a selection of Limousin and Simmmental also.

This end of March-born Charolais heifer weighed 305kg and sold for €800 (€2.62/kg). \ David Ruffles

Similar to trade over the past few weeks, demand remained highest for the lighter stock, in particular the bulls. For Charolais bulls weighing between 300kg and 400kg, the average price hit a very satisfactory €2.56/kg.

This April-born Charolais heifer weighed 300kg and sold for €860 (€2.87/kg). \ David Ruffles

Limousin were next in line for highest average at €2.42/kg.

Top price in this section was a Charolais bull which weighed 320kg. He sold for €1,080 or €3.38/kg.

This 245kg Charolais heifer was born in April and sold for €680 (€2.78/kg). \ David Ruffles

Top for the Limousin breed in the same weight dropped just below the €3/kg mark, with a 305kg bull selling for €900 (€2.95/kg).

This March-born Charolais heifer weighed 315kg and sold for €860 (€2.73/kg). \ David Ruffles

As the weight moved up, the prices dropped back. Looking at Charolais bulls weanlings weighing between 400kg and 500kg, the average price settled at €2.21/kg. Top-priced Charolais in this weight was a 400kg early spring-born bull which sold for €1,000 (€2.50/kg).

This March-born Charolais heifer weighed 340kg and sold for €860 (€2.53/kg). \ David Ruffles

The Limousin breed actually secured the top average in this section, settling at €2.32/kg.

With the smaller numbers of Limousin present, this was helped by one 410kg bull selling for €2.51/kg and another 410kg bull at €2.39/kg.

This April-born Charolais bull weighed 385kg and sold for €985 (€2.56/kg). \ David Ruffles

Females

A strong demand was also witnessed in the female section, with select, lighter heifers again securing the highest demand. However, prices were back on that of bulls of similar weight.

This February-born Charolais bull weighed 395kg and sold for €740 (€1.87/kg). \ David Ruffles

Charolais heifers weighing between 300kg and 400kg again made up the majority of lots, with overall average resting at €2.25/kg. This was led with a call of €900 for a 305kg Charolais heifer (€2.95/kg). Over €2.80/kg was achievable for the right type of Charolais heifer.

This April-born Simmental bull weighed 400kg and sold for €750 (€1.88/kg). \ David Ruffles

The smaller entry of Limouisn weanling heifers of the same weight boasted a higher average of €2.36/kg. That €2.70 to €2.80/kg price was achievable for light, smart, muscular heifers. Top Limousin was a 305kg spring-born heifer which sold for €860 (€2.82/kg).

This April-born Charolais bull weighed 370kg and sold for €995 (€2.69/kg). \ David Ruffles

Entries for heifers over 400kg proved very small, with a handful of Charolais heifers selling to average €2.42/kg. This was led with a call of €1,100 for a 400kg heifer (€2.75/kg).

This May-born Charolais bull weighed 295kg and sold for €860 (€2.92/kg). \ David Ruffles

This February-born Charolais bull weighed 380kg and sold for €980 (€2.58/kg). \ David Ruffles

This April-born Limousin bull weighed 315kg and sold for €840 (€2.67/kg). \ David Ruffles

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