Weanling sales shows begin well

Marts: A strong export trade for quality weanlings is boosting the market which has got off to a record breaking start as the annual Weanling Shows and Sales get under way at the marts.

Record prices of up to €1,300 over €/kg were paid for quality weanling heifers — bulls sold for up to €1,154 over — at the first major show and sale of the season held at Ennis Mart. R grade bulls ranged €1.80 — €2/kg, U grade up to €3.50/kg.

A breeding scheme promoted by Clare Marts in the county nearly a decade ago has boosted the production of quality weanlings in the young stock rearing region which has now become noted for standard of weanlings being bred in the area.

The championship of the show was awarded to a Charolais x Belgian Blue bull weighing 374kgs which was exhibited by Peter Gibson of Kilbaha and sold for €1,370. The highest price paid at the sale was €1,640 which went for a Belgian Blue bull weighing 486kgs

There was almost €1,700 head on offer with an almost complete clearance with the highest average to date being recorded in the prices paid for the quality weanlings most of which were purchased for export to continental feed lots.

Prices paid for weanling bulls ranged €220 — €1,154 over €/kg. Some at the top of the trade included a Charolais bull weighing 334kgs sold for €1,200, a Limousin 520kgs sold for €1,200, a lot of two Limousin 412kgs at €1,200, and a Charolais 380kgs which sold for €1,000. The trade was equally strong for heifers. The highest price paid was €1,570 for a 256kgs Belgian Blue.

The annual Weanling Show and Sale at Macroom Mart will take place tomorrow, judging at 10am and sale one hour later, and Skibbereen Mart on Friday, September 1st.