There was a strong turnout of store bullocks in Bandon with in-spec stock well sought after, especially those weighing over 450kg. Angus and Hereford bullocks in this range generally sold from €1.80/kg to €2/kg.

Four February 2017-born bullocks weighed 423kg and made €790 each, (€1.87/kg).

Some well-conformed bullocks under 450kg made similar prices but lighter stock that might struggle to be in-spec or would need further feeding were in less demand and this was reflected in prices, which on occasion fell below €1.80/kg. The better-quality Friesians sold from €1.60/kg to €1.70/kg with P grade stock and lighter animals back 10c/kg to 20c/kg on this range.

Bullocks: sample prices

  • Seven Angus, March 17, 388kg - €720, €1.86/kg.
  • Five Friesian, Jan 17, 495kg - €830, €1.68/kg.
  • Four Hereford, Feb 17, 463kg - €915, €1.98/kg.
  • Three Angus, Jan 16, 511kg - €980, €1.92/kg.
  • Four Angus, Feb 17, 386kg - €700, €1.81/kg.

    • Hereford bullocks born in July 2017. They had an average weight of 351kg and sold for €680 (€1.94/kg).

    Bullocks born in January 2017, weighing 455kg, sold for €850 (€1.87/kg).

    Stock bulls

    With breeding season near completion on many farms, there was a good selection of stock bulls with 20 on offer. The average price for Herefords was €1,275 while Angus stock bulls averaged €1,180.

    This stock bull weighed 1,015kg and sold for €1,570.

    Cows

    Fleshed cows continue to trade well at €300 with the weight on offer for these type of cows. Buyers were a bit more hesitant on cows without a not in-calf guarantee and this was a missed opportunity for farmers selling. There was a difference of €100 to €150 available for cows in similar condition but guaranteed not in-calf and those with no guarantee in similar condition.

    Feeder cows were plentiful and were on average making closer to €1/kg and 20c/kg above and below this price depending on condition.

    Sample prices:

  • One Friesian 740kg - €980, €1.32/kg.
  • One Friesian 690kg - €1,075, €1.56/kg.
  • One Friesian 680kg - €1,000, €1.47/kg.
  • One Friesian 590kg - €730, €1.24/kg.

    • A 2014-born Friesian cow with a not in-calf guarantee weighed 630kg and sold for €840 (€1.33/kg).

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