In pictures: cattle in high demand at Omagh Mart

Slightly over 700 cattle were offered for sale at Omagh Mart on Monday 16 February, with a clearance rate of 99% indicative of the high demand currently around the rings.

Despite a busy sale day, heavy cattle remain in relatively tight supply. Just 84 heifers were forwarded for sale, which is around 60% of the normal total, along with 107 bullocks, which is 70% of the regular entry. This really drove competition at the ringside with bidders keen to buy.

There were also 348 calves on offer, with an even split of young drop calves and reared lumps suitable for grass when spring appears.

In the bullock ring, forward stores weighing 550kg to 600kg were consistently making over 400p/kg. Lots with U grading potential, around 20 months old, attracted a premium, achieving prices over 420p/kg. Bullocks topped out at £3,040 for a January 2024-born Charolais weighing 842kg (361p/kg).

Heifers peaked at £2,440 for a July 2024-born Limousin weighing 595kg (410p/kg).

The top-priced fat cow was a 2016-born Limousin at 820kg, which made £2,607 (318p/kg).

Weanlings peaked at £1,750 for a March 2025-born Limousin bull, while the top-priced calf was a November 2025-born Belgian Blue bull, which sold for £1,150. Calves were predominately Aberdeen Angus and Belgian Blue, with plenty of Charolais and Hereford calves also available.

Young calves born in 2026 were consistently selling from around £350 to £700, depending on breed and age. Reared lumps regularly made £900 to £1,000.