A top-quality in-calf continental heifer fetched a huge €4,200 at Elphin Mart’s special sale last Friday.

It is a similar story at other special and dispersal sales around the country, with quality, beefy animals meeting strong demand and firm prices.

Prices for such top animals are reported by marts as ahead of last year.

The strong trade is attributed to the relatively lower numbers of these beefy, continental-type heifers now available.

There were 48 in-calf heifers at Elphin. The top-selling Charolais x Simmental was halter-trained and weighed 1,040kg. She was born on 3 February 2015. Her comrade, a 785kg black Limousin, due to calve on 17 February and also halter-trained, made €2,800.

Six heifers, including a red and black Limousin, one Blonde and some Simmental x Charolais crosses, sold in the range €3,000 to €3,200. Average price was €2,248 with just one animal unsold.

Balla Mart had a special entry of 45 maiden heifers at its weekly Saturday sale and these generated big farmer interest. Top animals made well over €2,000/head.

The average to better quality types ranged from €1,300 to €1,800/head. The lighter types of around 400kg, still good quality, generally ranged from €1,000 to €1,200.

A number of further special and dispersal sales take place over the coming days.

Dairy heifer trade slowing

In contrast, there are some signs that the trade for in-calf dairy heifers is slowing.

A month ago, good animals were making €1,350 to €1,400. Farmers with good animals for sale this week are reporting deals at around €1,200. One such seller suggested that farmers expanding herd numbers for 2018 or in new set-ups have moved early and have already bought their requirements.

Again, there will be a number of special sales of in-calf dairy stock over the coming weeks.

Read more

Beef prices: Christmas beef boom kicks in

Numbers dropping but quality cattle still in demand

Watch: dealing with 2ft of rainfall since May at Newford Farm