Monday’s sale at Bandon Mart saw cows met with a roaring trade, while bullocks were solid. Poor weather conditions meant numbers of store bullocks weren’t as strong as the corresponding sale last year, with 240 on offer.

Forward store bullocks made up a good proportion of the sale, with most selling well, but age and number of movements affected the trade. Hereford and Angus bullocks made from €350 to €650 along with their weight, while prices for continental bullocks made up to €700 over the weight for top-quality types. There was solid demand for Friesians, with heavier stores selling from €250 up to €505 with their weight.

In the dry cow sale, animals that needed a few months at grass were generally making between €150 and €220 along with the weight. Fleshed cows were a roaring trade, with €300 over their weight freely available and many sold from €1.40/kg to €1.60/kg over. The calf sale saw 1,800 on offer. Hereford and Angus calves outnumbered Friesians.

Export-type Friesian bull calves sold for between €70 and €130/head. Older Friesian bulls were sought after by farmer buyers and made up to €220. Traditional beef breed-cross bull calves from Friesian cows sold for between €170 and €415. Hereford and Angus heifers sold for between €110 and €350.

Commission rates for adult cattle are €1.5% to the seller with a €2.50 entry fee and a minimum of €9.50/head and €9 to the buyer