One farmer I met described the calf sale as “bonkers” and it was hard to disagree.

Most of those on offer were strong November and December calves. Friesian bull calf prices ranged from €60 to €120, with the majority selling from €90 to €100, with runners selling for up to €170.

Hereford and Angus bulls made from €250 to €350. Angus and Hereford heifer calves sold from €210 to €340. Continental bull calves sold from €350 to €450, with continental heifers making from €320, with prices topping out at the same level as the bulls.

Cows

There were just short of 80 cows entered and trade continued where it left off before Christmas with a steady demand for feeder cows. Well-fleshed cows were more eagerly chased after. Dry cows made from €100 under to €300 over the €/kg and younger cows sold well. Sample prices include:

  • One Hereford, 625kg – €1,040, €1.66/kg.
  • One Friesian, 715kg – €960, €1.34/kg.
  • One Friesian, 600kg – €750, €1.25/kg.
  • One Friesian, 755kg – €1,035, €1.40/kg.
  • One Friesian, 950kg – €950, €1.40/kg.

    • Bullocks

    Bullock numbers were low, as is to be expected for the time of year, with all animals sold. Friesian bullocks sold from €200 to €400 with their weight. Beef-cross bullocks sold from €270 to €485 with their weight. Sample prices for bullocks include:

  • Two Angus, November 2015, 452kg – €865, €1.91/kg.
  • Two Angus, February 2016, 470kg – €870, €1.85/kg.
  • Three Friesian, May 2015, 400kg – €680, €1.70/kg.
  • Three Friesian, January 2016, 343kg – €500, €1.46/kg.
  • Two Hereford, January 2016, 360kg – €690, €1.92/kg.
  • One Charolais, January 2016, 480kg – €950, €1.98/kg.

    • Heifers

    Heifers were very thin on the ground. Those available sold from €290 to €480 with the €/kg. Sample prices include:

  • One Simmental, 535kg – €1,130, €1.94/kg.
  • One Angus, 425kg – €845, €2.24/kg.
  • One Limousin, 380kg – €790, €1.76/kg.
  • One Hereford, 590kg – €1,070, €1.88/kg.

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    Small entry but solid cattle prices at Balla Mart