Over 650 heifers were on offer at Elphin Mart on Wednesday for the annual sale of continental heifers.

A seriously strong year of cattle was matched only by the price paid. Over 80% of all heifers present sold to a remarkable average price of €2.38/kg, with over €3/kg not uncommon.

This 540kg Limousin heifer born February 2019 sold for €1,370 (€2.54/kg).

Speaking following the sale, mart manager Gerry Connellan said: “Good continental heifers around 600kg were making €900 with the weight and we have a couple of loads heading north for direct slaughter from the sale. The return of the northern customer has given a great lift to the trade for forward stores and slaughter-fit cattle.”

This 715kg Charolais heifer born in September 2018 sold for €1,520 (€2.13/kg).

Taking home the top price per kilo on the day was a 595kg two-year-old Charolais heifer with three movements on the card that sold for €3.87/kg (€2,300).

Another Charolais heifer weighing 705kg but only born in March 2019 sold for €2,360 (€3.35/kg).

Top of the Limousin breed was €3.84/kg for a January 2019-born heifer weighing 485kg, securing a final sale price of €1,860.

A January 2019-born Belgian Blue heifer weighing 525kg sold for €1,740 (€3.31/kg), while two other Blues of similar age and weight came into €3.25/kg.

This February 2019-born heifer weighing 535kg went unsold at €1,100.

It proved an exceptional trade throughout. Very few lots went under €2.10/kg, while the majority of well-made continental lots, of all weights, were making over the €2.60/kg mark.

At a base factory price of €3.65/kg, quality animals continue to make much more ringside, as has been reported in the last few months.