This week, Camera at the Ringside was at last Tuesday evening’s weanling sale at Carnaross Mart. There was a strong entry of stock on the day, with all quality lots being met with firm demand.

Mart manager Pat Larmer said that the trade was solid and prices were firm. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg, with better-quality types making as much as €2.50/kg.

Heavier bulls from over 400kg were an easier trade than younger stock and prices of €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg were more common. Lighter bulls and heifers were a strong trade and prices ranged mainly from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg.

Heifers were a similar trade to bulls backed by firm farmer demand. Prices ranged mainly from €2.10/kg to €2.40/kg with the top third in terms of quality making up to €2.50/kg.

Pat said that Northern demand had increased for store cattle at Monday’s sale also and store bullock prices increased slightly as a result. Bullock prices were up by approximately €20 per head, while store heifer prices were steady.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer with a minimum charge of €7 to the seller. 

Nathan Tuffy