Last Thursday 16 October, saw Co Tyrone based Roland Hadden present 61 in-calf heifers and 28 cow-and-calf outfits at the annual autumn sale in Markethill Mart.

All stock were vaccinated for BVD, lepto and botulism, as well as Rotavec Corona to cover calf scour.

Heifers were mostly of Limousin breeding and, as in previous years, were in-calf to easy-calving Limousin stock bulls. Most of the heifers were due in November, December and January, while calves with cows at foot were all born in September.

Trade was exceptional, especially for calved outfits, with the top price of £5,750 paid for a Simmental cow with a September-born Limousin bull calf at foot. This was closely followed by £5,250 and £5,100 for other September-born outfits.

Most cows with calves at foot sold above £4,000 with a mid-point around £4,600.

In-calf heifers were also selling easily. Prices peaked at £5,000 closely followed by £4,750 and £4,500, with the hammer dropping for most lots near the £4,000 mark.

A selection of weanlings from other vendors were sold before the main event. Prices again were very consistent with quality lots generally trading at the 550p/kg mark.