Elphin Mart had over 100 dry cows through the ring on Monday night. While top-quality cows are still a very good trade, lesser-quality cows were back a little.
Mart manager Gerry Connellan said: “Sales have stayed very big over the last month. We have seen huge interest from the North for good-quality stock, with U grade heavy cows in particular demand. It’s great to see these northern customers back around the ring, even if it’s only for cows - they are a great help to the trade.”
Top call on the night went to a super 2013-born Belgian Blue cow weighing 715kg selling for €1,870 (€2.61/kg).
The general run of the high-end cows were making €2.00/kg to €2.20/kg. Plainer cows were back a little, with some aged cows making between €1.50/kg and €1.70/kg.
Store bullocks were a super trade, with a number of Charolais and Limousin stores around 400kg hitting €1,000 and over (€2.50/kg).
Store heifers were a similarly good trade, with top-quality heifers hitting €2.50/kg and over.
Weanlings numbers were small, with the top price going to a March-born Limousin-cross heifer weighing 260kg and selling for €780 (€3/kg).
Are cattle exported to NI for direct slaughter eligible for €100/head payment?
Beef prices: quotes steady despite negative sentiment from factories