Weanling trade remains firm
Average prices are showing very little change from the same week last year, which shows that purchasers are not discounting for the loss of the 21 month SBP, plus extensification, which this year’s crop of weanlings will not qualify for, as well as the loss of the Slaughter Premium for all except the heavy weanlings slaughtered before the end of the year.
Some weanlings are already showing in the sales with the bull premium drawn, and with no further entitlement to SBP or extensification, account is being taken of the loss by purchasers.
The tops of the Continental bulls sold for up to €420 over €/kg at Skibbereen with prices ranging back to €245 over and the continental heifers made €125-€225 over €/kg. At Kanturk Mart the continental bulls made €300-€380 over and heifers sold at €140-€180 over. Prices at Macroom Mart ranged €300-€390 over for continental bulls and €135-€190 for the heifers. For the corresponding week in 2003 the continental bulls ranged €330-€410 over and heifers made €110-€135 over.
At Nenagh Mart the continental bulls made €330-€485 compared to €280-€430 for the same week last year. Heifers made €150-€235 over this week sold for €70-€165 over €/kg the same week in 2003. At Athenry Mart the tops of the continental bulls made up to €460 over with several lots selling for more than €400 over €/kg and the best of the weanling heifers made up to €215 over. Up to €480 over was paid for the continental bulls at Blessington and up to €200 over for heifers.
