On Friday last, a show and sale took place at Donegal Mart. There was strong demand for all good-quality bulls, with heavy feeding bulls and show winners met with the best trade.

Exporters were very active for both bulls and heifers, with exporters actively competing against each other for choice lots.

The main supply of heifers were those from 250kg to 380kg and the trade for these was very strong. Prices ranged from €2.50/kg to a top price of €3.57/kg.

Heavy heifers over 400kg sold mainly from €2.20/kg to €2.60/kg, with most selling for €2.30/kg to €2.40/kg.

The bull ring was met with an excellent trade. Bulls from 250kg to 350kg sold mainly from €2.60/kg to €3.00/kg, with €3.80/kg the top price paid. Plainer types were a little harder sold.

Heavier bulls from 350kg to 450kg under 13 months were very strong and prices of €2.60/kg to €2.80/kg were common, with prices topping out at €3.05/kg. Plainer heavy types sold from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg.

Belgian Blue calves fetched some of the highest prices, with exporters paying from €2.80/kg to €3.20/kg for them. Cows with calves at foot sold from €1,300 to €2,060.

Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €10 up to €800 sale value and 1.4% thereafter to the seller.