The 530kg maiden heifer sold for €1,750 (€3.30/kg) after intense bidding from four farmers.

On the whole, prices were above average with strong demand for the heifers – all of which were sold. The event was organised by Mairead Kirk in Teagasc with sponsorship from Bank of Ireland.

Fifty-five heifers were sold on with an average price on the evening of €1,270. The heifers were mostly a mix of Charolais, Limousin and Simmental with some Hereford too. Limousin and Simmental heifers were the top performers regularly making in excess of €3/kg.

Simmental heifers of higher quality made between €1,300 and €1,600 for animals weighing between 370kg and 500kg. A February 2014-born Limousin heifer which weighed 400kg sold €1,600 (€4/kg).

Overall, the sale was dominated by farmer buying. There was some activity from Northern Ireland buyers but it was predominantly farmers from the Republic who were looking for four and five star replacement heifers.