Enniscorthy Mart held its weekly calf sale on Wednesday (June 1) and had over 300 lots on offer on the day.

The tail end of the spring calf trade has seen an improvement in demand and prices being paid for calves at marts.

Speaking to Agriland after the sale, Enniscorthy Mart manager Kevin Murphy said: "It was a very strong trade again this week as all the exporters are very eager for all breeds of quality calves."

"The quality on offer was very mixed, with some great reared and suck calves on offer, as well as some poorer-quality calves.

The Friesians bull calves, according to Kevin, were scarce on the day but were in high demand.

Suck Friesian bull calves sold from €80 up to €150, while the reared Friesians made from €180 up to a top price of €360.

Some sample Friesian prices:

The continental calves ranged from €160 for plain, soft calves, up to a top price of €500 for a reared Aubrac-cross bull calf.

The suck calves sold from €160 to €405, while good reared-calves sold from €370 to €500.

Some sample Continental prices:

According to Kevin the Angus and Hereford calves made up the largest portion of the sale, and sold anywhere from €120 for light calves up to €420 a reared Hereford bull.

The lighter Angus and Hereford calves were in huge demand from exporters, making up to €255 for four soft-Angus bulls.

Some sample Hereford and Angus prices:

There was also a small entry of Montbeliarde and Montbeliarde-cross heifers on offer and they sold from €350 up to €450 for reared calves.

Some sample prices of the Montbeliarde and Montbeliarde-cross heifers:

"Overall, a big sale for the time of the year and a great trade as exporters compete to fill orders," said Kevin.