The ‘Bullseye Babies’ sale of suckled calves was held at Kilrea Livestock Mart on Friday 25 September, with 150 lots of artificially inseminated (AI) bred calves and an offering of pedigree Simmental heifers.
The sale drew a huge turnout of buyers, with the market filled to maximum capacity, alongside a significant number of online buyers.
Male prices ranged from £1,320 to £2,310 and averaged £1,788/head for 86 sold. Females ranged from £1,540 to £3,800 and averaged £1,815/head for 62 sold.
In general, Charolais calves received the top male prices, including a 410kg animal that realised £2,180 (531p/kg) and two 420kg animals which made £2,140 (509.5p/kg) and £2,130 (507.2p/kg).
Heifers
Heifer trade was strong throughout, with females selling for all purposes. There was a particular demand for well-shaped, show-type heifer calves. Females weighing over 400kg made the highest prices on the night.
Limousin and Belgian Blue heifers were most sought after, with the top heifer price realised by a 530kg Belgian Blue (pictured above), which sold for £3,800 (717p/kg).
Other standout commercial heifer prices included a Limousin heifer weighing 350kg which made £2,300 (657.10p/kg), followed by a 300kg Belgian blue heifer at £2,240 (746.7p/kg).
Pedigree Simmentals were also in strong demand. Averaging £3,066/head for 18 sold, they sold to a top price of £3,650.
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