Last Saturday saw a special weanling sale at Macroom Mart in association with the usual cattle sale. There was a very consistent selection of forward bull weanlings available, with potential R and U grade continentals dominating the numbers.

Weanling bulls sold for between €305 and €890 with their weight. Heavier continental bulls up to 550kg made between €2.20/kg and €2.78/kg for strong R grades, with the potential of killing into U grades. Lighter top-quality weanlings were making up to €2.96/kg. There was more weight variation in weanling heifers and they sold for between €290 and €710 over the weight.

Sean Leahy was covering for Macroom Mart manager John O’Mahony on the day and he said the weanling bulls available offered buyers plenty of options.

With many of the bulls over 400kg, they could have gone for further feeding or there is the option of castrating and finishing off grass. Traditional beef-cross bullocks made between €270 and €520 along with their weight, while continentals made up to €690 over. Friesian bullocks made between €1.55/kg and €1.70/kg. Commission for weanlings is €8.50/head to the buyer and 1.5% to a minimum of €8.50/head to the seller. Entry fee is €2.50/head.

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