Monday’s weanling sale at New Ross Mart saw a much improved trade for weanlings.

Mart manager Richard Kirwan said that the difference in the trade between the previous week and this week was immense. He added that farmer buyers were much more active for weanling bulls and heifers, which put a lot more life into the trade.

It wasn’t just the better-quality weanlings that were an improved trade, demand for plainer- and better-quality types was equally improved. Richard said that prices of heifer weanlings were up about €100/head. Feeding bulls were met with very strong demand, especially for the better-quality types. These sold from €650 to €850, along with the weight.

Farmer buyers were much more active for all types of weanlings also and prices of bulls from 300kg to 400kg ranged mainly from €450 to €800 along with the weight.

Lighter bulls are still back on last year, as exporter activity is not as strong, but prices were improved on last week, with some shipper activity in the mix once again. Prices ranged from €330 to €600 over the weight.

The cow trade has lifted in the past week also, with the majority of Friesian cows selling from the weight to €280 over.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €8 to €15 to the seller.