Demand for heavier calves and runners was clearly evident in Bandon Mart this week, as buyers seek stock for grass.

There were close to 1,050 calves on offer at the west Cork venue, putting it at a similar level to this time last year.

As has been the case all spring, the prices are way ahead of what has previously been seen. Shippers and calf buyers were extremely active, with the number of farmer buyers easing somewhat.

Traditional beef breed-sired calves kept their dominance in the lairage, as they accounted for three quarters of all calves present, with Angus-crosses making up over half.

Prices for both breeds continued along similar lines to recent weeks with a premium going for heavier calves.

Angus- and Hereford-crosses from Friesian dams weighing between 60kg and 70kg were commanding prices of between €450 to €600 in most instances but more was going for select lots. Heavier calves were a different level.

Standout prices

A sample of standout prices for Angus-crosses saw bulls weighing 78kg making €700, while another group of 96kg bulls sold for €785.

The top end of trade for Hereford-crosses wasn’t far behind with a group of 79kg bulls making €725 and a 103kg bull made €790.

For Friesians, there was solid demand for both bulls and heifers. Most bull calves sold for between €320 and €400, with those prices paid for calves weighing from 53kg to 65kg.

Heavier calves made more with €460 to €620 paid for those close to 90kg up to 130kg. Friesian heifers were generally trading for between €260 to €565. One pen of close to 20 Friesian heifers offered in four bunches averaged €540.

Continentals were scarce this week. A few heavy runners were closing in on €1,000, with €880 paid for a 130kg Charolais-cross bull and another Charolais-cross bull born at the end of December sold for €980.

A pen of seven Belgian Blue-crosses, all weighing around 90kg, that were sold individually averaged €730.