Baltinglass Mart hosts heifer show
THERE were plenty of buyers present at the second part of the 49th annual heifer show and sale held recently at Baltinglass Mart.
There was a very strong trade for heavy and store continental cattle with a very brisk trade both on-line and ring-side.
Auctioneer and Mart owner Joseph Kinsella said that while the numbers were smaller than other years this was mainly due to the fact that so many farmers are restricted due to T.B.
The prices obtained for beef heifers fat and store heifers and cows were improved on compared to other years.
The Champion Heifer was presented to Liam Burke, Woodfield, Baltinglass, for a Limousin Heifer who weighed 806Kg and made €2100. Liam received the Morrin Perpetual Cup and prize money. He also won first prize in class one.
The Group Champion of the show was won by John and Fredrick Plant of Knockanarrigan, Donard for a pair of Charolais Heifers weighing 449kg and making €1360. The Plant brother were presented the Kinsella Auctioneers Cup and prize money. They also won first prize in class three.
John Fitzpatrick Mart Manager said: “I am more than happy with the turnout of good quality cattle on both show days and I hope that the top prices will continue long into the future.
“Baltinglass Mart is celebrating 50 years in business and we have been serving the local farming community with weekly cattle and sheep sales.
“During this time many local farming families have remained loyal to the mart and have produced quality animals during this time and hopefully this will continue to be the case long into the future.
“The Kinsella family are really grateful to all the farmers and buyers who support the mart on an ongoing basis.
“Finally, a huge thank you to all our very generous sponsors for both show and sale days, without their support it would not be possible to have such good prizes for the different classes at our annual show and sale.”