Weanling bull prices steady

Marts: Adjustment of weanling bull prices, to take account of those not eligible for the 21-month special beef premium (SBP), has steadied in a range of 60-100 less than the earlier-born animals.

A very strong farmer trade in the marts has maintained prices at a high level when account is taken of the drop of up to 310/head in direct payments for the post May 1, 2003-born weanlings which will lose out on the second SBP, plus extensification and slaughter premium.

Applying for a bull premia on these animals if they have not been castrated instead of the nine months will recover 60/head of the deficit with the payment of 210/head for the bull premia instead of 150/head on the SBP.