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.

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.

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.

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.