Farmer buyers had more of an influence at the special weanling show and sale in Skibbereen Mart on Friday last, but shippers still dominated trade for heavier calves, accounting for half.

After dipping in August, prices improved for this month's special sale, with the average price for bulls weighing from 300kg to 400kg, up 47c/kg in the space of four weeks.

That weight range accounted for 70% of the bulls on offer, and prices for the top third of those increased by 21c/kg. They averaged 5.39/kg. The lower end of bulls in that range went up by 34c/kg for an average of €4.22/kg.

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There was a lift in price for heavier bulls too. Those weighing from 400kg to 500kg, traded for an average of €4.68/kg, up 33c/kg on the August sale.

Lighter calves

Following the sale, manager Keith Mullaney said: “Trade was good, it was definitely a step ahead of August sale, and the lighter calves got a bigger jump.

“There were more farmers looking for the lighter calf around 300kg and they weren’t that plentiful, so that helped their price.

“The quality in the yard was outstanding; they’re getting better every sale, which helps. They were very fit for the export market.

“The heifer trade was good again. Quality heifers were pushing over €5/kg especially for the nice ones from 300kg to 400kg.”

This February 2026-born Charolais-cross bull with a CBV of €520 weighed 355kg and sold for €1,770 (€4.99/kg).

These February 2026-born Limousin-cross bulls weighed 320kg and sold for €1,360 (€4.25/kg).

This March 2026-born Charolais-cross bull with a CBV of €484 weighed 340kg and sold for €1,870 (€5.50/kg).

This March 2026-born Charolais-cross bull with a CBV of €329 weighed 360kg and sold for €1,830 (€5.08/kg).

This March 2026-born Charolais-cross bull with a CBV of €255 weighed 315kg and sold for €1,650 (€5.24/kg).

This March 2026-born Charolais-cross bull with a CBV of €491 weighed €340kg and sold for €1,550 (€4.56/kg).

This December 2025-born Charolais-cross bull with a CBV of €479 weighed 250kg and sold for €1,300 (€5.20/kg).

This April 2026-born Limousin-cross bull weighed 240kg and sold for €1,340 (€5.58/kg).

This December 2026-born Limousin-cross bull with a CBV of €481 weighed 357kg and sold for €1,770 (€4.96/kg).

These February 2026-born Charolais-cross bulls with CBVs of €406 and €564 weighed 300kg and sold for €1,500 (€5/kg).

These April 2026-born Charolais-cross bulls with CBVs of €415 and €464, respectively, weighed 297kg and sold for €1,500 (45.05/kg).

This March 2026-born Charolais-cross bull with a CBV of €607 weighed 375kg and sold for €2,160 (€5.76/kg).

This January 2026-born Limousin-cross bull with a CBV of €493 weighed 370kg and sold for €1,900 (€5.14/kg).

This October 2025-born Belgian Blue-cross bull weighed 425kg and sold for €2,320 (€5.46/kg).

This January 2026-born Charolais-cross bull weighed 325kg and sold for €1,460 (€4.49/kg).

This March 2026-born Limousin-cross bull with a CBV of €350 weighed 330kg and sold for €1,710 (€4.89/kg).

These February 2026-born Charolais-cross bulls with CBVs of €419 and €442, respectively, weighed 380kg and sold for €1,800 (€4.74/kg).

This April 2026-born Limousin-cross bull with a CBV of €456 weighed 320kg and sold for €1,520 (€4.75/kg).