Taaffe auctions resumed their monthly sale of freshly calved pedigree Holstein cattle at Dungannon Farmers Mart last week with close on 60 animals forwarded, and just one animal going unsold.

A top price of 2,720gns was paid for a second-calving animal yielding 50 litres, offered by Sam McCormick, Bangor.

Only pre-registered buyers were permitted access to the sale ring

Auctioneer Michael Taaffe said it was a very successful restart to the monthly sale with buyers fully respecting the protocols in place for social distancing.

Only pre-registered buyers were permitted access to the sale ring, with sellers being asked to return home after dropping off stock.

Sellers provided details on each animal in terms of calving dates, breeding records and yields in advance of the sale, and were allowed to place a minimum reserve on animals.

Kilrea Mart has also resumed its weekly sale of dairy stock with freshly calved heifers selling from £1,640 to £1,880, with a top price of £1,890 for a freshly calved cow.

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