There’s a strong possibility there was a new record made in Bandon Mart with 1,006 calves on offer at their sale on 1 June. For the June bank holiday sale last year, close to 750 calves went through the ring at the west Cork venue.

Despite the extra numbers, trade has remained firm with the bulk of bull calves sired by traditional beef breed bulls and in a weight range from 65kg to 95kg trading for between €450 and €750. There were a few exceptions at either side of this, with some pushing for €800 at the upper end of the trade. Shippers remain very active for that type of calf.

Angus- and Hereford-cross heifer calves of the same weight were back anywhere from €100 to €150 compared to bull calf prices.

Just under 75% of what was on offer were traditional beef breed-sired calves this week with a few more continental-crosses available this week. A good share of those were heavier reared calves weighing from 100kg to 150kg. In general, they made from €100 to €200/head more than calves in the 65kg to 95kg range.

A handful of those reared calves broke the €1,000 mark with a top price of €1,080 was paid for a bunch of 147kg Belgian Blue-cross bulls.

Following the sale, auctioneer Denis O’Donoghue said:

“It’s been a fantastic year for calves up to now anyway and sales are getting smaller but we were a little surprised by the numbers this week. They were up 25% on the same sale last year. It’s some going.

As a ball park guide, you have lot of those 60kg to 80kg bull calves and they’re making €7/kg to €8/kg generally with some making up to €8.50/kg. The heavier ones, close to 100kg, Angus and Herefords were making €7/kg to €7.50/kg with a touch more for the continentals. Smaller calves and Friesians are nearly gone at this stage.