There were two sales in one day at Gortatlea mart on Wednesday, with a sale of in-calf suckler heifers commencing at midday and the autumn weanling sale beginning at 5pm. There was 78 in-calf heifers available for sale and these sold from €1000 to €1560 per head. Manager Maurice Brosnan said plainer heifers were a harder sell with a strong demand for the better quality heifers. Star ratings didn't have a huge influence in the sale but helped add value none the less. The majority of heifers were due in October and November.

Sample prices

  • Limousin, March 2014, €1380
  • Limousin, February 2014, €1460
  • Belgian blue, March 2014, €1520
  • Limousin, April 2014, €1560

    • In weanling sales, poor weather conditions are beginning to show in some stock and there was concerns from some farmers over the potential fodder issues that could occur with continuing rainfall. There was 176 bulls for sale on the night. Prices varied on weight and grade potential with most cattle selling from a €2.25/kg for bigger bulls up to and above €2.60 available for lighter bulls.

    Sample prices

  • Four Charolais 380kg - €880, €2.32/kg
  • One Limousin 265kg - €700, €2.29/kg
  • Three Charolais 285kg - €715, €2.51/kg
  • Two Charolais 340kg - €875, €2.57/kg

    • There was also just over 100 heifer weanling on offer. Trade was similar to the bulls with strong R grade heifers commanding a premium. Sample prices

  • Five Charolais 433kg - €990, €2.29/kg
  • One Charolais 340kg - €950, €2.79/kg

    • There were 111 calves on offer, the vast majority being Angus and Hereford crosses from the dairy herd with some continentals also on offer. Younger calves made from €300 to €425 while runners made from €485 to €500.