Ringside at Markethill, County Armargh

Markethill Auction Mart, County Armagh, NI Cull cows continued to attract very strong demand at Tuesday’s (26 February) sale, with 100 head going under the hammer in rapid succession. Well-fleshed cows fetched from 135p/kg to 161p/kg, and peaked at 196p/kg for a 570kg animal. Young Friesians sold to 145p/kg, with Friesian cows ranging from 115-134p/kg, second quality Friesians at 90-105p/kg and poor sorts from 65-85p/kg. Aged bulls sold from 130-144p/kg, with over-30-month clean cattle selling to 181p/kg.

In other trade, calved heifers topped at £1,750, with a Limousin cow and calf selling for £1,520. In-calf cows fetched between £650 and £800 apiece. Young bull calves generally ranged from £230 to £290, with heifers at £140-230 and reared calves fetching £460-740.