Irish Cattle Market Sees Record €7.80/kg for Weanling Bulls in Longford

In a significant development for Ireland's agricultural economy, Granard Mart in Co. Longford has reported exceptional prices for weanling bulls, reaching €7.80/kg despite the notable absence of export buyers at their Monday evening sale on October 6.

Record-Breaking Market Performance

Just as Ireland's economic indicators show strong growth in other sectors, the livestock market is demonstrating remarkable resilience. Mart manager Jodie Reilly confirmed that the average sale price for weanling bulls reached €5.62/kg, marking an impressive 18c/kg increase from the previous week.

Year-on-Year Price Analysis

• Current average: €5.62/kg
• Previous year: €3.26/kg
• Year-on-year increase: €2.36/kg

The remarkable performance mirrors the broader trend of Irish financial market strength, with the average price per head for bulls exceeding €1,800, representing a substantial €625 increase from the previous year.

Notable Transactions

The standout sale of the evening was a 290kg Charolais bull calf, which commanded €2,260, achieving the top price of €7.80/kg. This exceptional result came despite the absence of traditional export buyers, highlighting the robust domestic demand.

Heifer Market Performance

The heifer market also showed remarkable strength, with prices reaching €7.29/kg for lighter animals. This trend reflects the broader cultural and economic renaissance seen across Ireland, similar to developments in other sectors of the Irish economy.

Market Implications

These results indicate a strong domestic market capable of sustaining premium prices even without international buyer participation, suggesting a robust future for Irish livestock farming.