The trade for an entry of 63 freshly calved heifers in New Ross Mart in Co Wexford on Friday defied expectations, with the sale average reaching €2,945. This is despite a significant reduction in milk price and delayed turnout of cows.

The price for the heifers offered by the Beechlands herd run by Walter Crean and Coolnagree herd run by Seamus O’Leary were mainly pedigree Holstein Friesian breeding.

Heifers from both herds had strong pedigree and milk production figures in their background breeding.

Tight supply

Manager Richard Kirwan commented that good-quality heifers coming on to the market are in tight supply and with strong repeat customers, demand outstripped supply.

Almost half the entry topped the €3,000 mark, with the hammer falling at €3,725 for a red and white Holstein heifer on the point of calving with an EBI of -€15 and milk production of upwards of 8,000l.

Over 20 more heifers sold from €2,500 to €2,950, with a small number back to €2,000/head. There was also a couple of heifers in the batch selling from €1,600 to €1,800 due to being dry in one quarter. A handful of calves sold briskly - heifers weighing 75kg to 100kg sold from €1,075 to €1,400/head.