Camera at the mart attended the weekly cattle sale in Rathfriland Mart, Co Down, on Friday last. There was little sign of the January blues impacting on the trade, as almost 200 head of cattle were met with strong farmer demand.

The calf trade in particular was exceptionally strong. Weanlings were more of a mixed trade, with buyers looking for good-quality Charolais and Limousin types.

Mart manager Jim McCrum commented on the sale, stating that the calf trade has got off to a roaring start in 2019, with more buyers on hand for stronger continental-type calves compared with sales last month.

He added that cattle numbers have increased on previous sales, with more weanlings coming on to the market.

Prices for calves reached £570 for a strong Simmental bull born in early autumn and weaned off milk.

This was followed by an exceptional December-born Belgian Blue bull calf, which sold for £420.

Other noted prices saw Blue bull calves born from October to November selling from £350 to £400, which was realised on several occasions for calves.

Limousin bull calves sold to £360 for those close to weaning age, with Angus bull calves running to £355 for animals born in late autumn.

Heifer calves were also in demand, with a Belgian Blue animal born in September selling to £355, while a November-born Blue heifer sold to £350.

Friesian calves were a solid trade, with buyers looking for reared calves.

Prices at the top end of the markets returned £325 for a pen of good-quality heifers born last summer, with reared bull calves making £235.

Weanlings sold to £825 for a 426kg Simmental bullock, with £825 paid on a 374kg Charolais bull. Limousin cattle sold to £790 for a 366kg bull calf.

Heifers sold to a top price of £800 for a 400kg Limousin, followed by £765 paid on a 348kg Limousin, with Charolais selling to £750 for a 394kg animal.

Forward store animals sold to £1,115 for a 600kg Limousin animal, with £1,030 paid on a 626kg Hereford bullock, while Friesian bullocks sold to £700 for a 530kg animal.

Suckler outfits sold to £1,250 for an Angus cow with Charolais calf at foot, while fat cows topped out at £855 for a 756kg Friesian.

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