It was a tough enough back-end across the beef breeds this autumn, with the majority seeing a slight drop in average price (click here for table of average prices). Much of this was anticipated, given the dropping farmgate price achieved across the beef sector.

With a strong milk price, hopes were high that the beef breeds aimed at this market would see an increased demand. This wasn’t the case, with the main breeds associated with this market all witnessing a drop.

While in most cases the drop in average was small, it’s still worth noting it was the second consecutive year of a drop for most. Clearance in a lot of cases also took a hit. This is largely down to increased numbers forward across the autumn sales.

Breed societies need to be vigilant of numbers catalogued for each of their premier sales. Only the best of the best should be forward at these sales. Vigorous inspections for sales with large entries and the breed’s demand at that time of year is key to keeping the sales achieving top prices and clearance rates.

In a lot of cases, these sales stand as the benchmark for the following spring, so averages need to be maintained as high as possible.

Bulls tend to set the trend for females and this was the case in 2017 also. However, while the average was slightly back in most cases, the clearance rates were generally up. This can only be looked upon favourably.

Females usually tend to be a luxury purchase when possible, but increased clearance rates at a time when bulls are taking a hit shows breeder confidence to reinvest.

In reverse to last year when both breeds reported a drop in average, prices were well up for Simmental and Shorthorn females.

The Simmental breed saw heifer averages rise by nearly €500. This was driven by three heifers making over €10,000 and a strong Raceview herd draft sale. Simmental bulls also proved very in-demand, with only younger incapable bulls not selling, leading to a drop in clearance rate. Simmental had a record-breaking sale in Roscommon, with a new top price of €4,600 achieved.

Exports

The strong pedigree export market that Ireland has built up through the years remained steady. These buyers continue to invest in the best of Irish genetics due to the quality that the national pedigree herd possesses, combined with a high standard of animal health.

Exports were notably up at the Angus elite sale, with three bulls even selling outside the UK. Shorthorns too saw an increase in the number exported on the year, while the continental breeds retained the high levels of exports normally associated with their premier sales.

The sale leaders across the board tended to head to the UK. The two joint top-priced bulls at the Limousin sale of €10,800 both went across the water. The Charolais Christmas Cracker bull went to Northern Ireland for a call of €10,000. The Shorthorn record setter also went to Northern Ireland. Two out of three of the Simmental heifers which broke the €10,000 mark found a new home in Scotland.

However, Irish buyers also had their highlights, with both the Angus elite sale leader and Charolais elite heifer sale leaders staying on Irish shores.

As well as that, Irish buyers are also investing in new genetics across the water at the main UK sales.

Through the past year, a number of the best cattle available have made it back to Ireland. Stirling’s two biggest bull sales saw both sale leaders come to Ireland.

The 25,000gns February sale topper was Charolais bull Gretnahouse Lord who was purchased by Bostonia, while the October sale was led with a 22,000gns bid for Simmental bull Manor Park Hansome who sold to the Clonagh herd.

Down in Shrewsbury, a new record Hereford female price was set when Gouldingpoll Herefords and Intelagri joined forces to secure Sky High Lancome Lucy for 11,000gns.

Numerous other females and bulls were also purchased throughout the year, helping to maintain Ireland’s name and improve our pedigree reputation.

Stars

Stars remain a key talking point around the sales. Some bulls continue to be bought on stars alone and buyers need to be reminded this is only a tool to be used alongside an animal’s breeding and phenotype.

However, that being said, there tended to be a slight turn back to not basing so much on the figures in 2017 compared with 2016. Buyers are starting to understand that stars alone are not good enough and that they need the bull to match.