Roscrea Mart had a special show and sale of autumn-born weanlings last week. The special sale attracted a big number of autumn-born bulls, in particular, weighing between 400kg and 500kg.

Exporters were in attendance, with some very high prices being paid for the top-end bulls.

Belgian Blue weanlings were in big demand, with an October 2023-born Belgian Blue weanling weighing 370kg selling for €1,690, bought by an exporter.

A number of U and E grading weanlings hit over €4/kg with the majority of the better types selling for between €3.50/kg and €4/kg.

Feedlots were also in action for heavy bulls with a number of bulls over 500kg hitting more than €1,750/head, or €3.50/kg.

Red Limousin bull weanlings were in especially high demand with a few choice bulls in the 300kg to 400kg weight bracket crossing the €4/kg barrier.

Heifers also met a solid demand with a number of breeding types making big money.

A number of red Limousin heifers around the 400kg mark sold for between €1,200 and €1,600, depending on quality and colouring.

Good-quality heifers in the 300kg to 400kg weight bracket were making between €3 and €3.50/kg.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, mart manager Michael Harty said: “We have seen very good demand for weanlings over the last few weeks with exporters very active, sourcing stock for a number of export jobs to Europe and beyond.”

Nitrates issues

“Feedlots and farmer finishers are also starting to ramp activity but nitrates issues are curtailing some feeders at the moment until they get a share of cattle killed off grass and they can go about restocking then.

“The live exporter is a very important part of the trade at the moment and they need to be supported in any way we can to make sure that live exports are maintained.”