Weanling sales building up to peak

Marts: Weanling sales have been building up to their seasonal peak this week, with prices showing no indication of any adjustment being made for the transfer of premia to the single payment in just over two months.

Unlike calf prices, which have dropped considerably for bulls born after June 1 2004 - which have no premia entitlement - weanling prices have been holding almost identical to the corresponding period in 2003.

Weanling bulls being purchased are worth around €300/head less in premia entitlements than the same animal purchased in autumn 2003. The 2004 crop of weanling heifers will earn €80/head less in premia than those a year earlier.