In pictures: super seasonal sale at Rathriland Mart

Top quality stock going through the ring was met with high prices at the sale of cattle last Friday 23 January at Rathfriland Mart.

“There was a good seasonal show of cattle, with some super quality on offer,” confirmed Rathfriland Mart Manager, Kenny Dodds. Native-bred calves at the sale traded from £300 to £600 for those aged two to six weeks old, while young continental calves generally traded from £500 to £710.

Older Hereford bull calves peaked at £950 and £1,060, while older heifer calves topped out at £940 for a Hereford, followed by £760 for an Aberdeen Angus. Some dairy-bred maiden heifers followed the calf sale, with Shorthorn-sired heifers selling to £1,550 and Friesian-bred lots making between £1,350 and £1,500.

Weanling bulls hit a high of 580p/kg, while heifers reached 532p/kg. Top prices per head were paid for Charolais bulls, with 404kg at £1,900 (470p/kg) and 443kg at £1,850 (417p/kg).

Heifers peaked at £1,930 (448p/kg) for a 430kg Limousin followed by a 401kg Limousin which made £1,740 (433p/kg). Heavy cattle were also in demand, with heifers selling to 460p/kg and bullocks to 433p/kg.

A 610kg Charolais heifer made £2,180 (357p/kg) followed by a 572kg Limousin heifer at £2,100 (367p/kg).

Bullocks peaked at £2,280 (345p/kg) for a 660kg Shorthorn, followed by a 556kg Angus at £2,100 (377p/kg).