Record beef prices and tight cattle supplies across Europe are fuelling a red-hot start to autumn weanling sales.
The top third of weanling bulls, weighing over 350kg, are up almost €900/head on last year, with sale prices averaging €2,212/head.
MartBids data shows an average price in excess of €6/kg was paid for top-quality weanling bulls over the last fortnight. That’s up €2.25-2.75/kg on the corresponding period last year.
Average-quality weanlings are making €5.50/kg or over €1,900/head.
An equally sharp trade for heifer weanlings has seen the top third of 300-400kg heifers average €6.10/kg or €2,135/head.
Live exporters continue to dominate the trade for the best-quality weanlings. However, beef finishers have been more active in recent weeks.
Dutch market
Meanwhile, the crucial Dutch market for calves is on track to remain open for Irish stock next spring.
“Several developments in the Dutch market in recent weeks, including the delayed implementation of an IBR programme and ongoing discussions about the timeline for the implementation of the Veal Forward Plan, may see our access to the market continue in the short term,” said Seamus McMenamin of Bord Bia.
“The Netherlands has been an important market for Irish calves with 84,000 traded during the first half of 2025, an 8% uplift on 2024 levels,” he added. This equates to around 40% of calf exports.
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