Exclusive analysis of the Irish Farmers Journal Martbids database shows weanling prices surged by more than €900/hd over the last 12 months, with some categories of weanlings up over €1,000/hd on 2024 mart prices.

Heavy Belgian Blue bulls in the 400-450kg weight bracket saw one of the biggest increases – up €1,007/hd on the 2024 price.

Limousin bulls in the same weight bracket were up €931/hd. Top-quality Charolais bull weanlings in the 300-400kg weight category came in at an average price of €6.45/kg in 2025, up €2.55/kg on the 2024 price, or €892/hd.

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Increased factory returns and reduced numbers of weanlings in marts were two of the big drivers of the trade in 2025. While exporters also played an important role in the trade over the last 12 months, live exports of weanlings were back 18,570 head, or 28% on 2024 numbers.

Demand

After a strong start to the 2025 live export trade, the momentum tailed off towards the end of the year. Increased prices and less demand from North Africa were the key drivers of the reduced numbers being exported.

While there is still concern over the impact a bluetongue outbreak may have on live exports, it’s not believed to be as serious as first envisaged.

Many European countries with bluetongue outbreaks are now able to export animals live, through a combination of vaccination, blood testing and quarantining of animals.