Saturday’s sale at New Ross Mart saw a strong trade for all types of cattle including cows. The calf sale was reasonably small, but mart manager Richard Kirwan expects a strong increase in numbers in the coming weeks.

This Hereford heifer calf born 28/12/2019 sold for €190.

Good-quality strong Friesians that were suckling cows were selling for up to €170/head, but only small numbers of these were on offer.

This Hereford heifer calf born 20/09/2019 sold for €260.

The main run of strong Friesian calves sold from €80 to €100, with young calves making from €50 to €80/head. Angus and Hereford calves sold from €200 to €300/head.

This Angus bull calf born 21/12/2019 sold for €390.

Richard said that cow numbers have increased quickly in the past few weeks, with farmers now selling culls. The trade has improved on where it was before Christmas, with buyers a little more active for all types.

This Belgian Blue-cross heifer calf born October 2019 sold for €325.

The average cow is selling for over €1.00/kg, with most around €1.10/kg. There are some light, poor-quality types selling from €0.85/kg to €1.00/kg.

This Charolais-cross bull calf born 31/12/2019 sold for €460.

The cattle trade is improved also, with prices up right across the board. Even heavy overage cattle and heavy Friesians have seen prices improve, with fleshed Friesians selling for up to €600 along with the weight. Light Angus runners that were selling for around €1.70/kg in December are now selling for closer to €2.00/kg.

Commission rates for calves are €7 to the buyer and seller. For cattle, it is €9 to the buyer, and 1.75% to a maximum of €14 to the seller.