Red and gold were the standout colours in Ennis Mart for the Co Clare mart’s weanling sale on Tuesday last.

A super turnout of bulls and heifers saw almost 600 go through the ring.

Compared with recent weeks, exporters had more competition in the bull trade.

Generally making between €900 and €1,400 with their weight, most of the bulls on offer weighed between 330kg and 420kg, with Charolais and Limousin the dominant breeds.

It was a high-end trade, with the majority of what was on offer selling for between €3.50/kg and €4/kg. There was a small number of lighter bulls but their €/kg price was similar to heavier cattle.

A sprinkling of Belgian Blue-crosses were joined at the top of the price/kg ranks by bulls of the other crosses which had potential to be E grading stock.

Speaking after the sale, mart manager Martin McNamara said: “A super yard of weanlings and the stock here were a credit to the producers.

“We had massive competition between farmers and exporters for the bulls.

“We’ve seen farmers compete more in the last fortnight - bull beef producers are anxious for stock and quality stock are getting scarce nationally, so they have no choice but to buy.”