The majority of those sold were Angus and Herefords. Only a few Friesian bulls were sold and prices averaged at €140/head. This was fuelled by a larger proportion of stronger calves on offer. Young calves made from €70 to €80/head.

Angus and Hereford calves sold mainly from €180 to €200/head for Angus heifers and bulls and from €200 to €250/head for Hereford heifers and bulls.

Demand is said to be holding quite well, with plenty of farmer demand still evident. With the year pushing on, those who are sourcing calves are tending to buy reared calves.

Strong suckler demand continues

While early spring saw some reluctance on the behalf of farmers to purchase in-calf heifers, the past few months has seen a strong trade for cows and heifers with calves at foot. In-calf heifers which were struggling to make €1,400 to €1,500 in early spring made €300 to €400 more when they were offered again after calving. This shows that farmers are much more willing to pay a little extra for the calved animal in the hopes of avoiding losses.

In the past few weeks, young cows and heifers with good-quality calves at foot are making from €1,700 to €1,900, with top-quality types making well over €2,000. Heifers suitable for breeding have been better value this spring in comparison to last year also and farmers are paying from €1,100 to €1,250 for good-quality heifers with stars that are fit for breeding.