Carnaross Mart in Co. Meath is set to host a dispersal sale of a well-known Co. Meath suckler herd this Friday evening (September 25) at 7:00pm.

Speaking to Agriland ahead of the sale, mart manager Padraig McElroy said: "The sale will see the dispersal of 60 suckler cows in calf to a pedigree Charolais stock bull as well a smaller selection of cows with calves at foot."

He said that the dispersal sale is taking place on behalf of suckler farmer Philomena Bradley of Sylvan Park, located between Kells and Crossakiel, Co. Meath.

The mart manager described the sucklers set to be dispersed as "an outstanding herd of cows with years of breeding behind them".

"All cows have recently been TB tested and the herd is being sold for no fault and due to a change in farming system," he said.

The cows set to be offered in the dispersal sale are predominantly continental cows.

The mart manager added: "They're not the kind of cows you'd see every day."

Autumn trade at Carnaross Mart

Commenting on the cattle trade at the mart venue this autumn, McElroy said demand has been good but noted that the store cattle trade has been "very strong" particularly in more recent weeks.

Numbers of weanlings coming out is steady on other years, with approximately 400 bulls and 360 heifers on offer at the most recent weanling sale last night (Tuesday, September 22).

The mart manager also said that certain types of weanlings are making over €6.00/kg in cases, with top-end breeding-type heifers reaching over €7/kg in cases also.

McElroy said that the level of farmer buying activity is very strong currently but noted that exporters are active at the sale also.