The in-calf heifer market started with a bang this autumn with some big money being paid for top-quality heifers at marts around the country in the last few weeks.

Cavan man Herbie Griffith specialises in the sale of in-calf heifers and he held his annual autumn sale of heifers in Carrigallen Mart, Co Leitrim on Friday 3 October.

Just under 70 in-calf heifers and calved heifers went through the ring on the night - with a packed ringside and huge activity online driving the trade.

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The majority of the heifers in the sale were in-calf to AI sires with a large proportion calving down in November this year.

Three heifers in the sale hit €10,000 and over, with the top price in the sale going to an April 2022-born Simmental heifer in-calf LM8929 due on 3 November, selling for €15,500.

Online sales

The heifers were sold to farmers all across Ireland with a number of heifers purchased by NI purchasers on the night. A remarkable 72% of heifers on the night sold to online customers.

Commenting on the sale, Carrigallen mart manager Helen Kells said: “It was a hectic evening. Storm Amy left us without power on Friday afternoon but thanks to our electrician and mart staff, we got a generator going and the sale ran unbelievably smoothly. Herbie has built up a big following of repeat customers, which is always good for a sale. The heifer quality was exceptional and customers were willing to go the extra mile to get them.”

This April 2022-born Simmental heifer sold in-calf LM8929, due on 3 November 2025, for €15,500.

This March 2023-born Limousin in-calf heifer sold in-calf to LM8929, due on 3 November, for €10,700.

This September 2022-born Belgian Blue heifer sold in-calf to EBY, due on 3 November, for €10,000.

This January 2022-born Belgian Blue heifer sold in-calf to LM8929 and due on 3 November, for €9,200.

This January 2021-born Belgian Blue sold in-calf to Claddagh McCabe (sexed semen), due on 23 December, for €9,000.

This September 2022-born Belgian Blue heifer sold in-calf to EBY and due on 3 November, for €8,300.