Despite the number of calves being exported live reducing in recent weeks, manager Sean Leahy reported there was a firm trade in Corrin Mart, Fermoy, on Tuesday for an entry of approximately 120 calves.
This followed on from a similar entry last Friday, with the mart holding two calf collection days per week.
As expected, there are more Angus and Hereford calves appearing in recent weeks, with Friesian bulls tailing off.
Live exporters have switched to purchasing Angus and Hereford calves to supplement Friesian bulls.
There is as much price variation within breed as across breed, with calf quality having a major influence on the sale price.
Hereford bulls and heifers with good conformation and age on their side are attracting firm interest from farmer buyers, with prices ranging from €100 to €180 on average for the best types.
Lighter and plainer-quality lots are selling back to €70 to €80, while small, light-boned heifer calves are selling down to €20 to €30 in cases. There is a similar trend for Angus calves.
Friesian bull calves sold in general from €30 to €70 for younger calves, while a few entries of aged calves attracted farmer interest and sold to a top of €100 to €120 per head.