Tuesday’s general cattle sale at Ballyjamesduff Mart had a special entry of dairy cows along with the usual sale. Most of those on offer were spring-calving cows, some of which were still in milk. The trade topped out at €1,330/head for an April-calving cow showing signs of milk.

This Limousin cross heifer weighing 585kg and born 25/7/2018 sold for €1,085 (€1.85/kg).

Other good-quality lots sold from €1,200/head to €1,310/head, with some crossbred cows selling to €1,250/head. Cow quality and the level of flesh on the cows had a large impact on quality.

This freshly calved second calver born 10/7/2015 sold for €1200.

The general cattle sale saw heavy beef heifers over 650kg selling from €1,125/head to €1,465/head or up to €2.09/kg at the top of the trade. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg sold mainly from €970/head to €1,320/head or for close to €2.00/kg on average. Plainer quality Angus and Hereford heifers sold from €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg. Store heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold for close to €2.00/kg for average-quality types, with the best heifers making over €2.39/kg.

This Friesian cow born 3/4/2014 and due to calve to an Angus bull in April sold for €1,310.

Bullocks over 600kg sold from about €1.50/kg for an overage Friesians to over €2.20/kg for top-quality continental in-spec types. Bullocks from 500kg to 600kg sold for just under €1.90/kg for average-quality types. Continental stores under 500kg sold mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.30/kg for good-quality types, with dairy crosses harder sold.

This 630kg Limousin cross heifer born 02/4/2018 sold for €1,235 (€1.96/kg).

Commission rates are €3 to €16 to the seller and €7.50 to €9 to the buyer.