Kanturk Mart hosted its weekly calf sale on Tuesday, attracting an entry of 500 calves.

Disruptions in sailings earlier in the month resulted in a drop in price across the country for the export type of Friesian bull, but with sailings returning last weekend, prices have been very strong.

This 22-day-old Simmental bull calf sold for €290.

Prices for Friesians in Kanturk ranged from €30 to €170, but the majority sold between €55 and €115. Any lots falling below this €55 mark were either very light or displayed strong Holstein traits.

The stylish 24-day-old Blue heifer sold for €330.

For the month of March, Kanturk Credit Union sponsored a class for best of breed each week.

This week’s featured breed was Hereford, with the breeder of champion bull and heifer receiving €100 each and the buyer getting €25 back.

These two 25-day-old Friesian bull calves sold for €75 each.

Securing the best Hereford bull calf on show was Tony Aherne from Newmarket for a five-week-old calf that sold for €350. The female champion was awarded to a one-month-old calf from John O’Keeffe, Boherbue, that went on to sell for €300.

These five Angus heifers of a month old sold for €260/head.

Overall, Hereford calves generally sold for €220 to €300. While there was a number either side of this range, these were more the exception rather than the norm.

Similarly with Angus, there was a small number of calves back to €140, but the vast majority came into €200-plus. Angus bulls peaked at €290, while their heifer comrades topped at €260.

This one-month-old Hereford heifer calf sold for €265.

Belgian Blue heifers sold for an average price of €330, while Blue bulls sold for €370. A small entry of Limousin-sired dairy calves hit the market at a starting price of €260 with prices up to €340 also seen.

There was also a number of Simmental bull calves about, which generally sold for between €280 and €290. An entry of Montbeliarde bull calves sold from €120 to €155 per head.

These four Holstein calves with an average age of 18 days sold for €55.

One of two Jersey bull calves finished up the sale selling for €5.

Overall, the demand for calves throughout was very strong, with all but seven calves finding new homes, resulting in a 99% clearance rate. It continues to be noticeable that demand remains highest for those calves with added age.

These two Angus heifer calves were under three weeks of age and sold for €190.

Buyers are willing to pay for those healthy calves heading on for a month old.

Other lots

This 20-day-old Friesian bull calf sold for €70.

These four Angus bull calves were one month old and sold for €225 per head.

Champion Hereford heifer calf was this one-month-old which sold for €300.

These four Friesian bull calves are a month old and sold for €105 each.

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