With the weather settling down and conditions becoming more favourable for exporters, the levels of export activity at online calf sales for this week is expected to rise again.
In terms of prices this week, we are seeing some mixed reports – but due to exporters being back in action, managers are stating that the lighter-type of Friesian bulls have received a slight lift in price in some marts.
This week AgriLand takes a look at recent calf sales held in Kilkenny, Ballybay and Tullow Marts.
Kilkenny Mart
There was close to 480 calves on offer during Tuesday’s calf sale in Kilkenny, with the mart’s auctioneer, George Candler, stating that it was “a sharper trade” for the lesser quality Friesian bulls.
In terms of prices, the second-rate Friesian bull calves sold from €30/head up to €70/head, while the first-rate Friesian bulls were sold from €80/head up to €220/head.
Continental bulls were topped at €410 for a Belgian Blue bull and prices eased back to €220/head. The heifers sold from €180/head up to €300/head.
Angus and Hereford bulls sold from €325/head back to €130/head, while the heifers started off at a slightly lower €100/head and sold up €270/head.
Ballybay Mart
Exporters were put out of action on Saturday (March 13) in Ballybay Mart, according to the mart’s manager Adrian Grimes.
Adrian stated that the prices paid by the northern customers for the shipping-type Friesian bull calves were leaving exporters with fewer calves than desired for sailings that were taking place on Sunday.
Commenting on Saturday’s calf sale, he said:
“The lighter Friesian bull calf was dearer and sold up to €80/head in cases. The stronger Friesian bull calf that was over six-week-old sold from €110/head up to €160/head and demand for these was very much farmer driven.
The Angus and Hereford bulls were aged under three-weeks-old were selling from €110/head up to €180/head. Stronger calves over three-weeks-of-age were selling at €180/head up to €360/head.
“The Angus and Hereford heifers were similar priced, but between €20-30 cheaper than the bulls.
“The continental calves that we had on Saturday were good, strong and aged calves with a nice bit of quality, they sold from €380/head up to €420/head.”
Tullow Mart
Numbers were smaller last Friday (March 12) at Tullow Mart’s calf sale – with close to 150 calves on offer. Speaking on the trade last Friday, manager Eric Driver stated:
“With the delays in the shipping of calves, it left some of the dairy farmers that bit more cautious last week of sending their calves for sale I think. Looking at the prices though, the shipping-type Friesian bull calf was selling at €45-70/head on Friday.
Stronger Friesian bull calves sold up to €120/head – but any calves with movements were just not as in demand.
“The Hereford and Angus heifers were a brisk trade, they were selling at €120/head up to €210/head. Hereford and Angus bulls sold from €160/head up to €280/head – with one Hereford bull selling for €295.
“The Limousin bull calves sold from €250/head up to €370/head – but overall continental calves were selling around the €300/head mark.”