Elphin Mart held a special out to grass sale of heifers and bullocks on Wednesday.

Good-quality heifers in the 500kg to 600kg bracket were a good trade, making from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg.

Lighter heifers were a little easier compared with previous weeks, with heifers in the 400kg to 500kg bracket making from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg.

There was a few choice breeding heifers that hit over €3/kg.

This February 2020-born Limousin heifer weighed 465kg and sold for €1,130 (€2.43/kg).

Northern Irish customers were very active in the bullock ring, with big demand for cattle close to killing.

This March 2019-born Charolais heifer weighed 605kg and sold for €1,540 (€2.54/kg).

Heavier bullocks that are closer to slaughter were averaging between €2.30/kg and €2.50/kg.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Elphin Mart’s Gerry Connellan said: “Store heifers suitable for the grazing are back a little on previous weeks.

This April 2020-born Limousin heifer weighed 345kg and sold for €850 (€2.46/kg).

“Grass has been very slow to get going and it’s probably affecting some of the grazing customers who are going to wait and see what the weather does. A lot of customers that buy to fulfil the ANC requirements are also finished buying.

This February 2020-born Charolais heifer weighed 475kg and sold for €1,130 (€2.38/kg).

“Cattle are still a super trade, with heavy cattle in particular demand in the last few weeks,” he said.

Elphin holds its special bank holiday Monday weanling sale next Monday 5 May, with over 500 weanlings booked in. The sale kicks off at 11am with two rings in operation.

This March 2019-born Aberdeen Angus heifer weighed 580kg and sold for €1,420 (€2.45/kg).