Castlerea Mart held its annual show and sale of continental heifers and Belgian Blue weanlings on Thursday last (September 24).

The mart’s manager, Brendan Egan, reported a large entry of stock, that were met with a fine trade, with quality once again to the forefront in prices.

Brendan said: “The standout price on the day was €3,010 for a nice Belgian Blue weanling heifer weighing 350kg. Overall, the trade was very good for weanlings.

“The majority, if not all, of the Belgian Blue weanlings on Thursday made over €3.00/kg. Looking at the heifers first, the first prize winner, as we mentioned already – weighing 350kg – sold for €3,010 or €8.60/kg; the second prize winner – weighing 300kg – went unsold at €1,200, while the third prize winner – weighing 335kg – sold for €1,310 or €3.91/kg.

“In terms of the weanling bulls, the first prize winner – weighing 320kg – sold for €1,560 or €4.65/kg; the second prize winner – weighing 405kg – made €1,510 or €3.72/kg, while the third prize winner – weighing 400kg – went under the hammer at €1,400 or €3.50/kg.

“The continental heifers were also a good trade on the day. First prize winner in the continental heifer section went to a Charolais heifer – weighing 650kg – that sold for €1,580 or €2.43/kg.

“Good-quality heifers weighing from 475kg up to near 700kg made anywhere from just over €1,050/head up to nearly €1,700/head. There was was some super prices on the day.

“Good stock are a good price from what I can see. Across the board, the trade is good and stronger than it was this time last year.”