This is a subscriber-only article
Last Wednesday’s sale at Castleisland Co-op Livestock Mart, Castleisland, Co Kerry, saw 270 weanlings on offer. These were made up of 150 bulls and 120 heifers, entered in the first autumn-born weanling sale of the year. The trade was very strong again, backed by solid feeder, farmer and exporter demand.
Mart manager David White said entries are slightly up on this time last year, with the export market more prominent, particularly for bulls under 300kg. The quality on offer was top notch, and the sale was on par with other years in that regard.
There appears to be plenty of top-quality Limousin-bred stock coming up for sale, and buyer activity for these is solid. There seems to be a bigger grá for these from export buyers, which is helping prices.
He also said farmers seemed to be weaning their calves well in advance of sale and he hoped this would continue throughout the autumn so that calves are fed some concentrates and fit for sale. A stress-free weanling leads to healthier cattle and happier customers.
David said sale destination was all down to spec, with buyers for the Turkish market buying bulls up to 320kg and heifers under 400kg. David said the local market of farmers and feeders were purchasing bulls from 350kg upwards. Most weanlings were born in July and August last year, making them very suitable for further feeding and slaughtering under 16 months of age.
Prices for lighter bulls ranged between €2.75/kg to €3/kg, with the top-quality stock making over €3/kg. Most bulls weighing above 350kg were selling in or around the €2.80/kg mark for U grade heavy bulls while €2.60/kg was the going rate for R grade bulls.
David said U grade weanlings were generally selling for between €580 and €650 along with their weight while R grades were making from €480 to €550 along with the weight. He added that trade for the weanling heifers was similar to the bulls, with prices almost mirroring what was paid for bulls of similar quality. Weanling sales in Castleisland are starting and will be held on every Monday for the remainder of the year.
Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 1.5% to the seller with a €2/head entry fee.
SHARING OPTIONS: