Bullock numbers were back slightly on last week with 310 offered for sale in Bandon today. Quality was not as consistent as last week either, with buyers slower to bid on poorer grading cattle and those likely to finish over thirty months.

Friesian bullocks were back by about 5c/kg on recent weeks but putting that in context, a lot of what was on offer today would more likely grade as Ps when killed out. Overall they sold from €200 to €400 with their weight. Beefier type Friesians were still making €1.65/kg to €1.70/kg. Hereford and Angus cross bullocks made from €300 to €600. Continental bullocks were in short supply but made from €450 to €700 with the euro per kilo.

Sample prices:

  • Seven Hereford 469kg - €950, €2.03/kg
  • Five Hereford 467kg - €930, €1.99/kg
  • Six Angus 457kg - €905, €1.98/kg
  • One Limousin 425kg - €1,060, €2.49/kg
  • Seven Friesian 501kg - €855, €1.71//kg
  • Six Friesian 472kg - €780, €1.65/kg
  • One Charolais 370kg - €880, €2.38/kg
  • Five Angus 454kg - €920, €2.03/kg

    • Heifers

    There were 75 heifers on offer and prices ranged from €300 to €550 over the €/kg. Heifers were a bit of a mixed bag with light stores, forward heifers and continental and traditional beef crosses all in the mix.

    Sample prices:

  • Four Hereford 377kg - €730, €1.94/kg
  • One Simmental 400kg - €800, €2/kg
  • One Limousin 515kg - €1,000, €1.94/kg
  • Six Hereford 530kg - €1,000, €1.89/kg

    • Calves

    With autumn calving nearing on farms, calf numbers continued to fall back with 110 calves on offer. Hereford and Angus bulls made from €250 up to €475 for the runners. Angus and Hereford heifer calves sold from €200 with stronger heifer calves making up to €450. Continental bull calves made from €360 to €575 and continental heifer calves sold from €300 up to €500.

    Cows

    Dry cow numbers were also down this week with 55 on offer. They made from €100 under to €540 with their weight. Sample prices: