There were 270 calves on offer in Bandon Mart this week, representing a rise of 50 when compared with last week, but on a par with the same sale in 2023.

Beef-cross calves dominated the numbers and of these there appeared to be a higher proportion of continental-cross calves in the lairage.

In a break from the normal routine, the continental collective seemed to leap frog over Herefords into second place behind Angus calves in terms of availability.

At the upper reaches of prices, they had a bit more selling power than the traditional breeds, but only just.

Heavier Angus and Hereford calves of 80kg were holding their own, with coloured calves of a similar weight.

A high of €510 was paid for a pair of one-month-old Charolais-cross bull calves and anything from that back to €300 was available for most beef-cross calves over 75kg.

Lighter beef-cross calves made from €100 to €250.

Friesians

It’s very early in the season yet, but Friesians remain relatively scarce and this is probably helping prices for them.

Lighter calves from 50kg to 60kg tended to sell for €1/kg or €1.20/kg for those of the same weight, but with a bit more shine to them. This increased by about by 20c/kg for those above 60kg.

Farmer buyers were anxious for heavier calves, with more British Friesian breeding. They made from €90 to €130, with a high of €225 paid for a one-month-old Friesian bull weighing 94kg. There was a small number of Jersey-cross calves on offer. Those with better weight for age were making the same prices as Friesians.

In pictures