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Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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PHOTOS: 50 in-calf heifers with ‘power, size, shape and style’ set for Elphin Mart

The McAnenly family of Mableview Farm will host their annual in-calf heifer sale this Friday (October 9th) at Elphin Mart.

The family run a herd of in-calf heifers on 120-acres in Emyvale, Co. Monaghan and have been producing in-calf heifers for over fifteen years.

In the early days, the majority of heifers were sold off-farm mainly to customers across Northern Ireland and Scotland, before they held their first sale six years ago, which is now a major annual event in the suckler farming calendar.

‘Quality breeds quality’

Speaking to That’s Farming, John said: “What we produce is a heifer that has power, size, shape and style, combined with top-quality maternal traits.”

“Quality breeds quality and that is the basis we farm on. Buyers return to Elphin Mart year-on-year for our heifers to breed top-end weanlings.”

“There is a huge demand out there for producing a classy weanling heifer that has good breeding potential, which is being reflected in some of the prices being paid at weanling sales at present.”

“There will always be demand out there for quality stock and as time progresses, more and more farmers are realising this,” John added.

50 entries

50 high-end commercial in-calf heifers, mainly Limousin-crosses, Charolais-crosses, and Belgian Blue-crosses, will come under the hammer as part of this year’s sale.

“They are mostly U grade-type females with size and power that are already starting to show good maternal traits. They are all export-tested and are calving from October right through to February.”

Some of the entries have been AI’d to renowned Limousin sires including ZAG, EBY, LM4058 (Lodge Hamlet), while others have been served by a Limousin bull, a Cavelands Jolly son.

Covid-19 restrictions

The sale is being held under strict Covid-19 regulations, with the number of people attending individual mart ringsides limited; however, an online bidding facility is also available.

From today (Wednesday, October 7th), the social distancing restrictions for marts has been increased to 2m, after it was reduced to 1m in recent weeks.

“In addition, marts must ensure that face coverings are worn by both staff and visitors while on the premises.” a spokesperson for the DAFM confirmed to That’s Farming.

The Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, has also confirmed that “Farmers are allowed to travel outside their own county for work or farming reasons”.

Viewing and online bidding facility

Entries can be viewed from 1pm this Friday with the sale to commence at 7:15pm.

Potential online purchasers are urged to register on Mart Bids and contact Elphin Mart on: 071-9035061 to approve their application.

Photos [Some of the entries]

Catalogue

To view an online catalogue with images and details, click here.

Images: Tricia Kennedy 

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