Tom Cox, Elphin Mart auctioneer/suckler farmer

“Trade has been very good for top-quality calves this year. People around here have a saying, ‘the day you buy is the day you sell’. We’ve seen a lot of farmers buying in the last two weeks and they are able to take the exporter out of it.

“We have also seen increased activity from the North, with online bidding going down particularly well with these customers.

“I’ve spoken to a few farmers in the last month who got out of cows and they are actually sorry they did so. A farmer selling 25 calves/year was doing alright.”

Gerry Connellan, suckler farmer, Maynooth, Co Kildare

“You can’t beat Elphin for customers for good weanlings but you need the top-quality calf.

“Every calf is better than the next in there today and if you had plain, you were as well at home. I can’t understand lads not aiming for the top. It takes the same to feed a good one as a bad one.

“I’d have no issue giving €1,500 to €1,600 for bulling heifers because I know I‘ll get it back.

“I averaged €1,115 for my 10 calves today weighing 443kg. There are lots of lads criticising the stars but I followed them and I feel I have a good herd of breeding cows with milk.”

Michael Connellan, suckler farmer, Kilmore, Strokestown, Co Roscommon

“Cow type is critical. I keep a good Limousin cow and cross them with a Charolais bull. Quality is key. You have no business producing a weanling taking €700 or €800. It’s taking that to feed the cow.

“It’s very important that schemes like BDGP continue. Cattle will just about hold their own and we need all the support we can get.

“It’s a big thing to get any type of rosette at a show and sale in Elphin. I have a bit of pride in what I do and I enjoy it so what more could you want. You get a great kick out of seeing your calves make good money in the ring after bringing them this far.”