The main camera at the mart was at last Monday evening’s weanling sale at Granard Mart. There was another very strong trade for all good-quality types, with some weanlings even a little more expensive than the previous week.

Mart manager Charlotte Kearney said that the trade for all good-quality weanlings continues to be very solid at the mart.

Numbers on Monday evening were back slightly on the week before, but buyer activity was firm. The seven-month rule for farmers under the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme is having a positive influence on the trade.

The past few weeks have seen a scramble by some farmers to source store cattle and weanlings as a result.

Good-quality weanling bulls over 400kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.35/kg for average-quality types, but better-quality bulls and those bordering on a U grade sold from €2.50/kg to €2.65/kg or from €1,000 to €1,200/head for those from 400kg to 450kg.

Lighter average-quality bulls from 300kg to 400kg continue to be a strong trade and are selling from €800/head for lighter average-quality types to €900/head. Better-quality U grade weanling bulls sold from €940 to €1,100/head, with most good-quality bulls selling easily over €1,000/head.

Demand for light bulls was strong also. Those from 200kg to 300kg sold mainly from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg for average-quality types or from €600 to €800/head for the majority. Top-quality bulls in the same weight range sold from €650 to €960/head, depending on weight. Exporters were present and active for all types of light bulls once they were hitting the age and weight requirements.

The heifer trade was steady on Monday evening also. Farmer activity was very strong for heifers and the trade was firm. Average prices were quite similar to bulls. Those from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €700 to €950, with better-quality heifers selling from €800 to €1,000. Demand for light heifers was brisk at times, with prices ranging mainly from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg for average-quality types.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 1% to the seller, plus a €7 fee for weanling bulls, heifers, store bullocks, heifers cows and sucklers. Commission on sheep is €2/head.

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