A few local farmers came to us run the special fatstock sale at Elphin on Monday and mart manager Gerry Connellan said there was a great response from both sellers and buyers.

This January 2018-born heifer weighed 620kg and sold for €1,460 (€2.35/kg).

He said: “We had over 300 cattle, 130 of which were dry cows here on Monday night with very strong demand from northern buyers.

“Over 100 cattle were sold to northern buyers out of Monday night’s sale.

This November 2015-born Charolais X cow weighed 785kg and sold for €1,600 (€2.04/kg).

“Demand was best for heavy well-fleshed cows with in excess of €2/kg being paid for good cows. Lesser types made in the range of €160-€180/kg.

This 2008-born Charolais X cow weighed 955kg and sold for €1,590 ( €1.66/kg).

“The northern trade has helped things a lot. It was always important to us but demand has increased in the last few weeks with a few good online customers and ringside bidders.

These five 2012- to 2016-born Limousin cows weighed 778kg and sold for €1,340 (€1.72/kg).

“Finished heifers were also a very good trade, with €2.20-€2.40 being paid for heavy heifers fit to kill.

“We’ve had a lot of enquiries from local farmers looking for genotyped heifers to comply with BDGP and we’re having a special sale next Monday night to cater for them.”

This 2013-born Charolais X cow weighed 835kg and sold for €1,370 (€1.64/kg).