Cattle prices: plenty of life in the bullock trade at Bandon

Angus led the way in Bandon on Monday, with prices jumping almost 20c/kg on what the same animals would have received before Christmas. Outlier spring 2016 bullocks were also in demand, with Angus and Herefords going for around the €2.10/kg mark and continentals selling in excess of €2.30/kg.

Friesian bullocks were limited in supply, but were selling well at €1.70/kg. Auctioneer Jonathan O’Sullivan said he has noticed that there are more farmers buying cull cows in the place of bullocks and heifers so far this year and that there is an increased demand for Angus cattle from buyers.

Sample prices for 2015-born bullocks:

Sample prices for 2016-born bullocks:

Heifer numbers were limited, but they more than made up for this in terms of quality. They made from €343 up to €643 over the €/kg. Sample prices:

Calf numbers are still relatively low, with a large increase expected over the next few weeks. There was 270 on offer this week.

Friesian bull calves made from €50 for very young calves up to €155 for those up to six weeks old, with older calves making up to €200. Hereford and Angus bulls made from €220 to €350 for stronger calves and Angus and Hereford heifer calves sold from €200 to €280. Continental heifers sold for up to €330 and continental bulls made up to €360.

There were 122 cows on sale and they made from €50 under to €465 over the €/kg. The cow trade is strong at present throughout the west Cork marts, with very few dropping under the €1/kg mark and the vast majority of cows selling for between €1.20/kg and €1.35/kg, with continentals and young well-fleshed Friesians going beyond this, with some Friesian cows selling for over €1.50/kg. Sample prices:

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