Camera at the mart: Friesian bulls selling from €25 to €90/head

There were 520 calves on offer in Skibbereen and there was a strong demand on the day for beef-cross calves from Friesian cows.

Manager Tom McCarthy said: “The export trade is what it is. It’s purely supply and demand at the moment.

The calf with that bit extra milk and time is making money and there is plenty farmer activity for these calves.”

Prices for Friesian bulls varied from €25 to €65 for the shipping calf, while the stronger calf for the farmer buyer, in the main, went for up to €90 with some exceptional lots selling to €108.

With such a great variability in prices, there is no doubt that it is probably well worthwhile for dairy farmers to feed on some of the stronger cavles where they have sufficient facilities and labour to do so.

Strong continental, Angus and especially Hereford calves were much sought after.

Up to €240 was paid for traditional beef breed bull calves, with heifers of these crosses topping out at €235. Continentals made up to €340.

Herefords and Angus calves from dairy herds containing Jersey-cross cows made similar money as Friesian bull calves and topped out at €110.

Jersey crossbred calves sold for up to €25.

Commission rates for the seller vary from €3/head up to €8/head along with a €2.50 entry fee. Commission to the buyer is fixed at €6/head.