Last Thursday 26 February saw fierce competition for dropped and reared calves at Kilrea Livestock Market run by HA McIlrath and Sons Ltd.
The general sentiment around the ring was that prices were strong on the day, which reflects optimism among farmers around future returns and an overall very stable beef market.
“All calves and youngstock were in demand for the forthcoming grazing season,” said auctioneer, Mark Stewart.
In total, 418 animals sold to 100% clearance. Of these, 329 were dairy-bred calves with the larger portion being reared lumps born in November and December 2025. These calves were mostly Aberdeen Angus and Belgian Blue bred, with standout lots generally trading from £800 to £1,000 per head.
A smaller portion of young dropped calves was also available.
Mid-January to mid-February 2026-born animals traded from £300 to £500. There was more choice across the breeds, with Limousin, Charolais, Hereford and Simmental calves on offer, although Belgian Blue and Aberdeen Angus calves continued to dominate.
Following the sale of calves, there were also 89 beef-bred weanlings put through the ring last Thursday.
These animals were also met with high demand, with prices generally ranging from 430p/kg to over 550p/kg for choice lots.
This Belgian Blue heifer, born November 2025, made £970.
This December 2025-born Belgian Blue heifer sold for £910.
This Aberdeen Angus male, born November 2025, sold for £800.
This January 2026-born Aberdeen Angus male sold for £790.
This Aberdeen Angus heifer, born February 2026, sold for £690.
This January 2026-born Simmental heifer sold for £430.
This February 2026-born Limousin heifer sold for £330.
This October 2025-born Holstein male sold for £540.
This March 2025-born Limousin young bull weanling, weighed 360kg and sold for £1,680 (466p/kg).
This August 2025-born Simmental heifer weanling weighed 210kg and sold for £1,160 (552p/kg).
This May 2025-born Stabiliser heifer weanling weighed 310kg and sold for £1,340 (432p/kg).
Last Thursday 26 February saw fierce competition for dropped and reared calves at Kilrea Livestock Market run by HA McIlrath and Sons Ltd.
The general sentiment around the ring was that prices were strong on the day, which reflects optimism among farmers around future returns and an overall very stable beef market.
“All calves and youngstock were in demand for the forthcoming grazing season,” said auctioneer, Mark Stewart.
In total, 418 animals sold to 100% clearance. Of these, 329 were dairy-bred calves with the larger portion being reared lumps born in November and December 2025. These calves were mostly Aberdeen Angus and Belgian Blue bred, with standout lots generally trading from £800 to £1,000 per head.
A smaller portion of young dropped calves was also available.
Mid-January to mid-February 2026-born animals traded from £300 to £500. There was more choice across the breeds, with Limousin, Charolais, Hereford and Simmental calves on offer, although Belgian Blue and Aberdeen Angus calves continued to dominate.
Following the sale of calves, there were also 89 beef-bred weanlings put through the ring last Thursday.
These animals were also met with high demand, with prices generally ranging from 430p/kg to over 550p/kg for choice lots.
This Belgian Blue heifer, born November 2025, made £970.
This December 2025-born Belgian Blue heifer sold for £910.
This Aberdeen Angus male, born November 2025, sold for £800.
This January 2026-born Aberdeen Angus male sold for £790.
This Aberdeen Angus heifer, born February 2026, sold for £690.
This January 2026-born Simmental heifer sold for £430.
This February 2026-born Limousin heifer sold for £330.
This October 2025-born Holstein male sold for £540.
This March 2025-born Limousin young bull weanling, weighed 360kg and sold for £1,680 (466p/kg).
This August 2025-born Simmental heifer weanling weighed 210kg and sold for £1,160 (552p/kg).
This May 2025-born Stabiliser heifer weanling weighed 310kg and sold for £1,340 (432p/kg).
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