Friesian bull calf prices held firm. Shipping-type Friesian calves continued to sell in the €70 to €130 price bracket, with older calves making up to €220.

While the upper prices available for beef-cross calves remained steady, the same could not be said for the lower end of the scale. Stronger Hereford and Angus-cross bull calves sold for between €180 and €410, while those in less demand were selling for as far back as €95.

Heifers of these breeds sold in a similar pattern, with calves making from €50 to €360. Recently, lower prices for these crosses tended to be for calves from crossbred herds, but this week the traditional breed cross Friesian took a bit of a hit.

Continental heifers sold from €250 to €480 and continental bulls made from €300 to €490. Crossbred calves were not as visible this week.

Bullocks

Demand from grass buyers was beginning to show, with some higher than normal prices available for spring 2016-born bullocks, with outliers especially in demand. Friesian bullocks made from €200 to €450 over the €/kg, with outliers selling for over €1.90/kg. Beef-crosses sold from €400 to €600 with their weight.

Sample prices

Four Friesian, 318kg - €620, €1.95/kg.

Three Hereford, 326kg - €740, €2.27/kg.

Two Hereford, 280kg - €730, €2.61/kg.

Four Friesian, 336kg - €630, €1.88/kg.

Six Hereford, 335kg - €730, €2.18/kg.

Three Angus, 351kg - €830, €2.35/kg.

Five Angus, 363kg - €820, €2.26/kg.

Four Friesian, 275kg - €530, €1.93/kg.

Cows

Cows are still a roaring trade, with €200 over the €/kg freely available for fleshed cows. Overall, they made from €50 to €850 over their weight.

Sample prices