Tom McCarty, manager of Bandon Mart, stated that this week’s sale of calves showed a “very strong start to the calf sale season”.

With over 250 calves to choose from on Monday (January 18), farmers were spoiled for choice it seems – although, many were not afraid to contest it out to buy the right type of calf with quality.

AgriLand spoke with Tom after the sale to get his insight into what seemed to be a good day for selling calves.

Taking a look at the prices, he stated: “Continental bulls sold up to €545/head on Monday, with heifers selling up to €450/head.

Hereford and Angus bulls sold from €220/head up to €440/head for the stronger type of calf over six-weeks-old. Heifers were selling from €200/head up to €390/head.

“Friesian bulls sold from €65/head up to €215/head for the more quality-type calf.

“Traditionally, January would be a good season for selling calves but this year has been an exceptionally strong start.

“The prices for store cattle has got dear in recent times, so I think a lot of farmers are converting to buying calves as a way of bringing up numbers.

“There seems to be more farmers interested in buying calves this year than there was compared to this time last year. It’s good to see that bit of confidence from farmers.”

Samples of top prices for bull calves:

  • Three Charolais calves: €545/head;
  • Limousin calf: €530/head;
  • Limousin calf: €480/head;
  • Two Angus calves: €415/head;
  • Hereford calf: €410/head;
  • Two Hereford calves: €395/head;
  • Hereford calf: €285/head;
  • Three Friesian calves: €215/head;
  • Three Friesian calves: €185/head;
  • Five Friesian calves: €155/head;
  • Three Friesian calves: €85/head.

Samples of top prices for heifer calves:

  • Two Charolais calves: €450/head;
  • Two Charolais calves: €440/head;
  • Two Belgian Blue calves: €375/head;
  • Three Simmental calves: €355/head;
  • Four Angus calves: €295/head;
  • Two Angus calves: €275/head;
  • Two Angus calves: €265/head.