Purchasing activity from northern buyers added competition to keen demand from farmers and live exporters at last Saturday’s special weanling bull show and sale in Carrigallen Mart, Co Leitrim.

Mart manager Helen Kells said competition levels were raised by weanlings being presented in excellent condition, influenced by the favourable grazing conditions over the last few months. This helped to achieve practically a full clearance of 500 bulls and 100 heifers on offer, with average sale prices influenced by weanling quality and significantly exceeding the comparable sale in 2013.

Live exporters were most active for heavy-muscled bulls with a preference for lots weighing from 330kg to 430kg. Exporters remained active for heavier lots weighing up to 500kg, but were more selective on the quality of animal and paying a lower price/kg. They faced competition from farmers, who were the main buyers on the day, and specialised finishers for good quality Charolais and Limousin bulls.

Prices for bulls weighing 300kg to 400kg averaged €2.96/kg for the top third of bulls traded, while the average bull and bottom third averaged €2.59/kg and €2.23/kg, respectively.

Bulls weighing 400kg to 450kg ranged in price from €2.12/kg for the bottom third of animals to €2.63/kg for the top third. Heavier bulls weighing up to 500kg sold from €2.10/kg to €2.50/kg.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €10 to €16 to the seller. A special weanling heifer sale will take place this Saturday 11 October at Carrigallen Mart.