Calf sales are reaching peak numbers across the country and the first signs of spring is helping to drive trade.
Over 400 calves were in attendance in Carlow on Monday with nearly a full clearance recorded.
Speaking after the sale, Leinster Marts manager Jimmy Walsh said: “Trade was much better than last week. Even the poorer Friesian was up nicely.
“Calving has ranked up a bit as individual farmers seem to be bringing more calves but that said we would normally have bigger sales around this time.
This 16-day-old Limousin heifer sold for €360.
This early February-born Charolais bull sold for €400.
This three-week-old Hereford bull calf sold for €290.
These three 12- to 18-day-old Friesian bull calves sold for €50.
“The beef-sired calves are dominating prices, with over €400 secured for a number of lots. We are seeing a big spread of buyers for these, with this week’s sale seeing a lot of farmer buyers.”
As mentioned, prices for dairy beef-sired calves led proceedings with top prices for each of the main breeds securing €380 plus.
The majority of the dairy beef-sired calves on the day were Herefords, with calves generally starting from €200 and selling up to €380 for the better-quality lots. Angus numbers weren’t as big but prices were generally around the same.
This well-made British Friesian born 10 February sold for €150.
These two-week-old Montbeliarde calves sold for €140.
This 19-day-old Hereford bull sold for €280.
This two-week-old Hereford bull calf sold for €225.
Limousin bull calves sold up to €420 with the small number present starting at €360 a head.
Both Charolais and Blue calves hit the €400 mark but these again were few and far between. A number of Aubrac-sired calves started at €120 and sold up to €200.
Around 60% of the calves on offer were full dairy calves. While some did drop to €20, the general go was €40 plus. Average for that weaker Friesian type animal came into €60.
Animals carrying a bit of British Friesian blood and showing more conformation could be seen making as high as €150.
Shippers
A number of shippers were active on the day and seemed to be paying more than other weeks, with a number of lots selling for €70 to €110 for Friesian bull calves.
This two-week-old Hereford bull calf sold for €260.
This three-week-old Friesian bull calf sold for €82.
These five Friesian bull calves between one and two months of age sold for €100.
While Carlow Mart may still be three weeks away from its peak, the rising numbers definitely do not seem to be affecting trade.
Boats sailing again this week has helped set a base for lighter Friesian calves, while the beef-sired animals continue to sell for very strong prices.
Read more
In pictures: fit cattle in demand in Roscrea
Calf sales are reaching peak numbers across the country and the first signs of spring is helping to drive trade.
Over 400 calves were in attendance in Carlow on Monday with nearly a full clearance recorded.
Speaking after the sale, Leinster Marts manager Jimmy Walsh said: “Trade was much better than last week. Even the poorer Friesian was up nicely.
“Calving has ranked up a bit as individual farmers seem to be bringing more calves but that said we would normally have bigger sales around this time.
This 16-day-old Limousin heifer sold for €360.
This early February-born Charolais bull sold for €400.
This three-week-old Hereford bull calf sold for €290.
These three 12- to 18-day-old Friesian bull calves sold for €50.
“The beef-sired calves are dominating prices, with over €400 secured for a number of lots. We are seeing a big spread of buyers for these, with this week’s sale seeing a lot of farmer buyers.”
As mentioned, prices for dairy beef-sired calves led proceedings with top prices for each of the main breeds securing €380 plus.
The majority of the dairy beef-sired calves on the day were Herefords, with calves generally starting from €200 and selling up to €380 for the better-quality lots. Angus numbers weren’t as big but prices were generally around the same.
This well-made British Friesian born 10 February sold for €150.
These two-week-old Montbeliarde calves sold for €140.
This 19-day-old Hereford bull sold for €280.
This two-week-old Hereford bull calf sold for €225.
Limousin bull calves sold up to €420 with the small number present starting at €360 a head.
Both Charolais and Blue calves hit the €400 mark but these again were few and far between. A number of Aubrac-sired calves started at €120 and sold up to €200.
Around 60% of the calves on offer were full dairy calves. While some did drop to €20, the general go was €40 plus. Average for that weaker Friesian type animal came into €60.
Animals carrying a bit of British Friesian blood and showing more conformation could be seen making as high as €150.
Shippers
A number of shippers were active on the day and seemed to be paying more than other weeks, with a number of lots selling for €70 to €110 for Friesian bull calves.
This two-week-old Hereford bull calf sold for €260.
This three-week-old Friesian bull calf sold for €82.
These five Friesian bull calves between one and two months of age sold for €100.
While Carlow Mart may still be three weeks away from its peak, the rising numbers definitely do not seem to be affecting trade.
Boats sailing again this week has helped set a base for lighter Friesian calves, while the beef-sired animals continue to sell for very strong prices.
Read more
In pictures: fit cattle in demand in Roscrea
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