Friday's Central Auctions sale at Roscrea Mart saw a massive surge in the numbers of heifers forward, so much so that the decision was made to run all males through the ring on Saturday.

Buyers were both online and ringside, with a number of keen buyers choosing to bid online which helped drive trade significantly.

Positive trade

Overall, trade was very positive and a high standard of mostly continental heifers helped to keep the average price at €2/kg or more throughout the weight divisions.

Lighter heifers between 200kg and 300kg met some of the strongest trade, with the small number forward seeing average prices of €2.41/kg. Higher-quality lots with breeding potential sold as high as €2.57/kg.

The weight division above this for heifers between 300kg and 400kg also saw strong demand for better-quality heifers, with the top 33% of lots selling to average €2.52/kg.

As weights increased, prices dropped back slightly with prices generally coming into €2.20/kg to €2.40/kg under 500kg.

Cattle weights and prices

A 28-month-old Limousin-cross heifer weighing 525kg sold for €1,060.

These two September 2019-born Limousin-cross heifers had an average weight of 345kg and sold for €820.

This nine-month-old Simmental heifer suitable for breeding and weighing 280kg sold for €720.

This powerful 30-month-old Charolais heifer weighing 650kg sold for €1,320.

Two rising two-year-old Limousin heifers with an average weight of 535kg sold for €1,180.

A nine-month-old Charolais-cross heifer weighing 439kg sold for €940.