There were over 1,000 calves on offer at Castleisland Mart’s calf sale on Monday (March 4), with a strong trade in particular for the older, stronger-type calves.
Calf sales in many marts have gotten off to a slower start, but in the last week or so, the number of calves being offered for sale has increased.
Many of these calves now presenting for sale are older and stronger-type calves, which has resulted in many achieving good prices in the sales rings.
Calf trade
To get some insight into the trade at the calf sale on Monday, Agriland spoke with Adam Coughlan from the mart.
Commenting on the outlook for the trade Coughlan said: “The outlook going forward is very positive for well fed calves with a lot of west of Ireland and midland customers anxious for quality lots.”
Starting with the beef sired calves, he said that continental and strong Hereford and Angus cross calves aged between four-to-six weeks old met a very lively trade.
The Hereford and Angus cross bull calves over four-weeks-of-age sold for between €250 and €420.
While the strong Hereford and Angus cross heifers made between €220 and €345, according to Coughlan.
The lighter Hereford and Angus cross calves sold for between €70 and €150 on the day.
There was a very strong trade for the continental sired calves, with prices reaching up to €625 on the day.
Castleisland
Friesian bull calves remain a difficult sale, with this trend being seen in marts across the country in recent weeks.
Coughlan said that the strong and shipping type Friesian bulls over 50kg traded from €30 and €55.
While Friesian bulls that were under 50kg are unwanted by all shipping agents, according to Coughlan.
The farmer-type Friesian bulls were a good trade, with prices reaching €210.