New Ross Mart in Co Wexford had an entry of 512 weanlings for its sale on Monday evening.

Speaking with mart manager Richard Kirwin, he said: “Trade was very strong throughout the sale for all types of stock, with both farmers and exporters very active.

This September 2019-born Charolais heifer weighed 475kg and sold €1,050 (€2.21/kg).

“The exporters were not buying the top-quality bull weanlings, but were actively looking for good R grading types.

“Farmers drove demand for the top-quality lots, with really good-quality bull weanlings making €600 to €850 over their weight, while lighter or not as fancy continental types were making €260 to €420 over their weight.

This February-born Hereford bull weighed 410kg and sold for €790 (€1.92/kg).

“Hereford and Angus types went for between €260 and €420 over their weight, while Friesian bull weanlings made between €140 and €270 over.”

Heifers

“Heifers also met high demand, with heavy heifers selling from €450 to €680 over their weight, while lighter types were trading between €260 and €420 over their weight.

This Angus heifer born April 2019 weighed 485kg and sold for €900 (€1.86/kg).

“Hereford and Angus heifers were making from €240 to €400 over their weight.”

There were also 18 cows with calves at foot sold, with prices ranging from €1,370 up to €1,760 for younger cows with good-quality calves at foot.

This September 2019-born Charolais heifer weighed 460kg and sold for €970 (€2.11/kg).

Weanling sales continue in New Ross Mart each Monday evening until the end of November.

This pair of Charolais heifers born February and March 2020 weighed 345kg and sold €780 (€2.26/kg).

This March 2020-born Charolais bull weighed 410kg and sold for €1,100 (€2.68/kg).