Slow start to dairy sales at Dungannon

Taaffe Auctions resumed the monthly sales of pedigree dairy stock last week at Dungannon Mart. Prices peaked at 1,920 guineas for freshly calved heifers.

Commenting on the sale, auctioneer Michael Taaffe said that prices were down compared with sales held during the spring, as good weather meant potential buyers were busy finishing off field work.

Weanlings

Meanwhile, special sales of suckler-bred calves are now under way. Swatragh Mart held its first sale on Monday with a show of native beef breeds. Calves sold to a top price of 238p/kg for a 292kg steer at £695, with other lots selling upwards from 190p/kg.

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