Mart manager Michael Lynch said that as the calf sale is on Tuesday, the storm and snow did not affect the sale to any great extent. He added that they were expecting higher numbers, but postage delays have affected farmers getting BVD test results back, which held back numbers slightly this week. The trade was strong, with good exporter demand. Michael said that the majority of stronger three-week-old calves sold from €130 to €180/head. These were bought by farmers. Lighter and younger calves sold from €90 to €120/head, while lighter shipper calves sold mainly from €50 to €100, depending on quality.

There were a good share of Angus and Hereford calves on offer and these sold mainly from €160 at the bottom of the market for lighter calves to €320/head at the top of the trade. Herefords sold mainly for about €50 to €60/head more than the equivalent Angus calf.

Commenting on the trade for Angus and Hereford types, Michael said that farmer buyers were very active for these and if they were available in larger numbers, there was plenty of demand to match supply. Continental calves were scarce, but where they were on offer, prices of €400 and over were common. Commission rates are €8 to the seller and €7 to the buyer.

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