One of the only positives to be found in the suckler trade currently are maiden heifer sales.

Over the past two months, a number of special in-calf heifer sales have taken place, with no shortage of buyers available. The trade has been particularly strong for quality in-calf continental heifers.

It was no different last Monday evening (10 December) in Elphin Mart at a sale of 32 in-calf heifers, belonging to Sean Brennan. All but one of the 32 red Limousin-cross and Simmental-cross heifers were in-calf to Limousin sires (mainly ZAG), with one pedigree Simmental heifer in-calf to a Simmental AI bull.

The heifers are due to calve from 7 December to 14 February, with the majority expected to calve in December and January. They were all vaccinated for Blackleg, BVD, IBR, and lepto.

From the off, the trade was lively, with the first lot on offer making €2,700. Top price on the night went for Lot 48A, a Limousin-cross heifer in-calf to ZAG which fetched €2,720. Average price on the night was €2,116. There was a 93% sale clearance.

A very large attendance highlighted the level of interest locally. The Brennan family hold maiden heifer sales annually. Speaking after the sale, Lorraine Brennan said that they were happy with the sale and she commented that the average price was up slightly on last year.