Demand for show-quality cattle has not been hampered by winter shows and fairs being cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.

Carnaross Mart in Co Meath witnessed a lightning trade for an entry of 150 weanling and yearling heifers on Friday evening, with a top price of €4,110 or €12.84/kg paid for a commercial Limousin cross heifer weighing 320kg.

The heifers offered for sale by Tateetra and Rathmore Farms, which is one of the largest suckler herds in the country, averaged in excess of €3/kg.

The hammer fell at in excess of €2,000 per head for 16 heifers, the majority of which were halter-trained, while another 14 heifers sold for over €1,500.

The brisk trade for show-type heifers also lifted the trade for all heifers with some lots selling anywhere from €100 to €200 higher than prices achieved in general sales at present.