Delvin Mart to hold its first winter fatstock cattle sale

Delvin Mart in Co. Westmeath, Ireland, will hold its first winter fatstock sale of cattle on Thursday, December 3. A pre-sale show with 11 classes will precede the auction, with more than €1,600 in prize money on offer. The event matters to livestock farmers because it revives this type of sale at the mart after a long gap.

Show and prizes

Each class carries a first prize of €100 and a second prize of €50, and further spot prizes will be handed out during the day. The classes are: Best Continental Heifer, Best Continental Bullock, Best Butcher Friesian, Best Traditional Breed Bullock, Best Continental Cow, Best Dairy Cow, Best Pen of Heifers (two or more animals), Best Pen of Bullocks (two or more animals), Best Store Bullock, Best Store Heifer and Champion Breeding Heifer.

Farmers wishing to enter cattle in the show and sale can contact Elliott Potterton or Paddy Leonard at Delvin Mart.

First such sale in 35 years

Elliott Potterton told Agriland that the last fatstock sale run by the Pottertons took place 35 years ago in Trim. This year the decision was made to hold it at Delvin Mart, and interest so far has been good. The sale starts at 10:30 a.m. He expects a range of buyers, including regular customers such as factory buyers and Northern Ireland buyers, as well as farmers looking for store bullocks and breeding heifers. Local businesses have sponsored the prizes.

Recent cattle prices

Potterton said lighter 450–500kg Angus and Hereford cattle rose by 10–15c/kg at the latest sale, after falling the previous week. Plainer types averaged €3.30/kg and better ones €3.45–3.50/kg, with the best making more. Heavier continental stores of 600–700kg sold for €3.45–3.70/kg, depending on quality.