Strong weanling export trade

Marts: There was a strong export trade for the top quality weanlings for the Italian market at a Show and Sale at Kilmallock Mart where up to €675 over was paid for the tops of the continental bulls.

The highest price was paid for a double muscle Belgian Blue bull weighing 374kg and sold for €1,050.

A Charolais bull weighing 360kg sold for €825, a Limousin scaling 358kg made €895, a Limousin 374kg fetched €830, and an Angus weighing 378kg made €860. The more general run of weanling bulls sold for €200 over to €350 over.

In the heifer section a Charolais weighing 315kg made €660, a Charolais 290kg sold for €520, a Charolais weighing 236kg made €525, and a Belgian Blue weighing 325kg sold for €685. The general run of weanling heifers ranged €120 over to €250 over.

The demand for the quality weanlings was boosted by export buyers for the Italian trade interested in weanlings likely to make E and U grades.

The champion of the show, which was sponsored by Kerry Agri Business, Charleville, and the Limousin Cattle Society was exhibited by John D O’Regan, Shanballymore, Mallow, who won awards for the best continental bull, best continental heifer, and the best non-continental bull.

The reserve champion was exhibited by Pat Mulqueen, Ashgrove, Kildimo.

The best non-continental heifer was shown by John Halvey, Dunvullen, Caherconlish. For the best group of three or more continental bulls the winner was Joseph Cusack, Lower Sunville, Ardpatrick, Kilmallock, and the best group of continental heifers was exhibited by Eddie P Moriarty, Kilglass, Mitchelstown. The best group of non-continental bulls was entered by James Curtin, Clonleigh, Newtown, Charleville.

Joseph Cusack also added the award for the best Limousin bull and Pat Mulqueen added the award for the best Limousin heifer to his winnings.