There was close to a full clearance of the 550 cattle on offer at the Castleisland Co-op Livestock Mart annual weanling show and sale at the Co Kerry venue this week.

Trade followed the national trend, with a widening gap between prices of heavier muscled cattle and those with plainer conformation.

Heavier bull weanlings from 400kg and suited to further feeding for a young bull system were a good sell. Most of the heavier U grade bull weanlings sold in the €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg price range. Lighter well-muscled weanlings were selling for similar money, with some going for up to €2.90/kg. Belgian Blue weanlings were scarce, but were selling in the €2.90/kg to €3.20/kg bracket, with a few exceptions making a bit more. R grading-type stock were selling from €2.10/kg to €2.40/kg, with plainer cattle below this price bracket.

Price trends for heifers were about 10/kg to 20c/kg back on bull prices, with stand-out lots more than matching their male counterparts.

Mart manager John Humphries said: “There was a good few exporters and they helped underpin the market. Farmer buyers are a bit more ponderous on what to do given the fodder situation. I’d have concerns for the trade heading into the autumn, especially for plainer cattle.”

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 1.5% to the seller, with a €2/head entry fee.