Dowra Mart in Co Leitrim had two special entries of in-calf cows as part of their weekly cattle sale on Saturday. Manager Terry McGovern said the trade was helped by strong demand from buyers from Northern Ireland, with almost half of the 25 cows on offer heading north. The highlight of the sale were the two U grading cows pictured selling for in excess of €2,300.

This four-star Limousin-cross cow sired by OEI, born March 2013 and due on 26 August to the AI Charolais sire FSZ sold for €2,310.

Terry said that there is always demand for similar type cows from buyers looking to breed E and U grade weanlings or potential show animals. The general run of prices for aged autumn-calving Simmental cows ranged from €1,350 to €1,580, with a selection of younger cows and in-calf heifers selling from €1,650 to €1,900.

This March 2011-born Simmental-cross cow due on 1 August to an AI Simmental sire sold for €1,370.

The sale was big for the time of year, with 510 cattle on offer. Heifers were the highlight and northern buyers were very active for forward stores, slaughter-fit heifers and any slaughter-fit cows. Quality heifers weighing 500kg to 600kg averaged €2.20/kg to €2.45/kg with a selection of exceptional types selling to €2.70/kg to €2.80/kg.

This December 2018-born in-calf Simmental heifer due in August to an AI Limousin sire sold for €1,640.

Heifers

Slaughter-fit continental heifers sold from €2.00/kg to €2.25/kg on average. Heavy R and U grading cows weighing in excess of 700kg sold in a flying trade from €1.85/kg to upwards of €2/kg while some top cows weighing 600kg to 680kg sold to a top of €2.10/kg. Feeding cows sold from €1.60/kg to €1.80/kg.

This Simmental-cross cow born October 2014 and due in August to an AI Simmental sire sold for €1,760.

This four-star Limousin-cross first calver born October 2018 and with a few weeks old Charolais bull calf at foot sold for €1,620.

This September 2010-born Limousin-cross cow due on 15 August to the AI Charolais sire LSF sold for €1,600.

This October 2018-born Simmental heifer due to calve in December to an AI Limousin sire sold for €1,570.

This May 2011-born Simmental-cross cow in calf to an AI Simmental sire sold for €1,510.

This five-star Simmental-cross cow born November 2015 and due in October to an AI Limousin bull sold for €1,370.

This Simmental-cross cow born September 2014 and due in early August to an AI Limousin bull sold for €1,450.