There were 1,400 calves on offer in Bandon Mart this week and, despite the climb in numbers, prices have held well to date.

Prices were especially high for beef-cross calves, with Hereford and Angus-cross bull calves selling from €220 to €415 for bull calves. Heifers sold for between €180 and €380.

Shipping-type calves were selling from €70 to €135, while Friesian bull calves made between €65 and €140 for younger calves, with stronger calves making up to €260.

Continental heifers sold from €300 to €500 and continental bulls made from €320 to €480. Jersey-cross bull calves sold for between €10 and €50.

Cows

There were 90 cows on offer and they made from €50 under to €500 over the €/kg, with continentals at the upper end of this scale. Fleshed cows continue to dominate prices, with many going close to or making over €200 with their weight. Young cows were especially in demand and sold from €1.40/kg to €1.75/kg

Sample prices:

  • One Friesian, 525kg - €890, €1.70/kg.
  • One Friesian, 620kg - €850, €1.37/kg.
  • One Hereford, 635kg - €1,160, €1.83/kg.
  • One Limousin, 590kg - €1,130, €1.92/kg.
  • One Friesian, 780kg - €1,025, €1.31/kg.

    • Spring 2015 stock made up the bulk of the numbers in the bullock and heifer sale, with trade following a similar pattern to recent weeks.

    Bullocks made from €200 to €580 over the €/kg for Friesians, with Hereford and Angus-crosses selling from €320 to €700 with their weight.

    Sample prices of bullocks:

  • One Belgian Blue, March 2016, 420kg - €870, €2.07/kg.
  • Two Hereford, June 2013, 807kg - €1,520, €1.88/kg.
  • Three Angus, March 2015, 513kg - €1,010, €1.97/kg.
  • Five Friesian, March 2015, 497kg - €790, €1.59/kg.
  • One Hereford, February 2016, 410kg - €820, €2/kg.
  • Six Angus, April 2015, 494kg - €985, €1.99/kg.
  • Four Angus, March, 378kg - €750, €1.98/kg.

    • Heifers

    There were 50 heifers on offer and they made from €320 to €710 over the €/kg. Sample prices:

  • One Hereford, 460kg - €880, €1.91/kg.
  • Four Charolais, 650kg - €1,360, €2.09/kg.
  • Two Angus, 545kg - €1,060, €1.95/kg.
  • One Charolais, 550kg - €1,100, €2/kg.

    • Read more

    Calf prices reach €420 at Skibbereen Mart