Trade was brisk in Manorhamilton for quality calves at Monday’s annual weanling heifer show and sale. It followed on from a very good trade the previous week for bull calves.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, mart managers Ivan and Wilfred Moffett said: “We have lots of customers for that real nice weanling; the more average weanlings are a little harder to shift, but they are still a good trade given where the beef price is at the moment.

"Weather has taken a turn for the worse the last few days up here and we expect to see more and more weanlings out for the next few weeks.

"Exporters are very active for that good bull calf around 350kg. We saw the good Charolais-cross and Limousin-cross bull calves making €1,000 and over last week.”

Heifers

In the heifer ring, good-quality animals regularly hit the €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg mark, with a few exceptional lots hitting €2.70/kg.

Lighter heifers under 340kg were in high demand, with plenty of customers for good-quality Charolais and Limousin heifers.

A few traditionally-bred heifers from Angus and Hereford sires were easier bought at around €2/kg. Heavier heifers were a little easier, with heifers above 400kg making around €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg.

Special entry

A special entry of 15 Hereford-cross-Freisian heifer calves from 200kg to 240kg met little demand, with very few sold. Those that did sell made between €450 and €500.

In the dry cow ring, good-quality continental fleshed cows were making €1.40/kg to €1.60/kg, while lesser types were being sold around €1.20/kg to €1.40/kg.

A small entry in the suckler section saw cows with calves at foot ranging from €1,350 to €1,660.

More pictures from the sale

This January 2019-born heifer weighed 390kg and sold for €950 (€2.43/kg).

This well-muscled Charolais-cross claimed second place in the show. Weighing 315kg, it sold for €915 (€2.90/kg).

This December 2018-born Limousin heifer weighed 440kg and sold for €970 (€2.20/kg).

This December 2018-born Limousin heifer weighed 350kg and sold for €750. (€2.14/kg).