Over 200 cattle were offered for sale in Raphoe Livestock Mart on Thursday 4 February.

Trade was brisk throughout and a clearance rate of almost 90% was recorded.

Well-fleshed suckler-bred dry cows were in demand, with €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg on offer at the top end of the market.

Friesian types carrying good condition traded around the €1.40/kg mark, while those requiring feeding were moving between €1.05/kg and €1.20/kg.

This 2016-born Charolais cow weighed 830kg and sold for €1,540 (€1.86/kg).

A large entry of bullocks saw big prices being paid for nice-quality continental types, with up to €2.64/kg on offer for exceptional lots, while a more typical range of €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg was paid for store bullocks in the 400kg to 500kg weight range.

This May 2019-born Limousin heifer weighed 565kg and sold for €1,210 (€2.14/kg).

A smaller number of heavier bullocks 600kg+ were moving from €2.10/kg to €2.15/kg for the most part.

This June 2019-born Limousin bullock weighed 515kg and sold for €1,360 (€2.64/kg).

Heifers were out in smaller numbers, but, again, where there was quality there was big demand. Store heifers were making €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for the most part, with €2.35/kg to €2.45/kg on offer for the best-quality stock.

These two, March 2020-born Belgian Blue heifers weighed 260kg and sold for €640 (€2.46/kg).

Commenting on the sale, mart manager Ann Harkin said she was very pleased to see the strong trade continue in recent weeks, with good-quality cattle continuing to be met with high demand.

This November 2019-born Charolais bullock weighed 500kg and sold for €1,110 (€2.22/kg).