Cattle marts: Increased numbers of calves met with a strong trade

Increased numbers of calves are being met with a strong trade in marts across the country, according to a number of mart managers.

There was good competition for calves from both farmers and exporters at Bandon Mart in Co. Cork on Monday, February 20, Mart Manager Tom McCarthy said.

“Numbers were up 30-40% on last week and the price of a Friesian bull calf increased by €10-20/head compared to last week.

Farmers put it up to the exporters during the sale for all types of calves. We had close to 1,450 calves for sale here on Monday.

“We are expecting numbers to peak from next week onwards, when we could have in excess of 1,500 calves for sale,” he said.

At the sale in Bandon Friesian bull calves made from €65-140/head. Hereford and Aberdeen Angus cross bulls sold for between €220-415/head, while heifer prices ranged from €180-380/head.

Continental bull and heifer calves sold for between €300-500/head. 

Trade for other cattle at the sale remained steady, with cows being sold for between €40-500 on top of their weight.

Kilkenny Mart

Some 180 calves were on offer in Kilkenny Mart on Tuesday, February 21, with quality stock being met with a great trade, auctioneer George Chandler said.

“Farmers were looking for the continental calves, which are as rare as hens’ teeth at the moment.

“There was a good solid trade for all types of calves, while a lot of farmers went home disappointed today when they didn’t buy.

“A lot of farmers will only have begun calving in early to mid-February, so numbers will dictate the trade,” he said.

Kilmallock Mart

Both cattle and calf numbers took a big increase at Kilmallock Mart on Monday, February 20, with a total of 1,487 animals up for sale.

Out of the total, 700 calves were on offer at the sale, an increase of 250 calves from the previous week, according to Denis Kirby from Kilmallock Mart.

A five-week-old Belgian Blue bull sold for a top price of €500, while five Friesian bulls over three weeks old sold for €130/head.

Aberdeen Angus heifers over three weeks old sold for €420/head, while a four-week-old Hereford heifer sold for €400.

At the Kilmallock sale on Monday, bullocks sold for up to €1,790/head or €2.32/kg, while weanlings sold for €1,100 each or €2.57/kg.

Meanwhile, dry cows sold for a top price of €1,420/head or €1.92/kg. Heifers made €3.11/kg at the sale or €1,320 each.

There was also a number of dairy stock at the sale, which made €1,580/head, as well as some suckler cows that achieved a top price of €1,860.