Lighter types pick of weanling trade

LIGHT bulls and heifers were the pick of the weanling trade over the last few days as both farmers and shippers competed at ringside for stock.

Numbers have been relatively small to-date, but mart managers expect bigger sales from next week onwards.

The trade was described as “steady to strong, rather than spectacular” by one midlands dealer, but exceptional prices have been paid for light bull weanlings.

Reflecting on the trade in Ennis last week, a local man said small weanlings “made London prices”.

Buyers sourcing stock for the Turkish trade were active in both Skibbereen and Macroom over the weekend.

Tom McCarthy of Cork Marts said competition between agents for the shippers and farmers resulted in a brisk trade for light bulls.

Bulls weighing 250-280kg made €750-790/hd or around €2.50/kg to €3.00/kg.

Heavier bulls made around €2.50/kg; while good quality heifers generally sold for €2.60-2.80/kg, with plainer lots making €2-2.50/kg.

Exports

The shippers were also to the fore at Castleisland. Mart manager David White said there was strong demand for export-type bulls.

Bulls in the 250-300kg weight range sold for €2.80/ kg to €3.00/kg, while €900- 950 was paid for U grade heifers weighing around 400kg. R grades sold for €800-900/hd.

At Carnew Mart in Wicklow there was a definite price differential between stock for export and those for the home market.

Well-muscled bulls for the Italian market, E and U grades, sold for €2.70-3.10/kg. Lighter bulls for the Turkish market made €2.60-3.20/kg.

Ordinary farmer weanlings sold for €2-2.20/kg, with better lots making €2.25-2.60/kg.