Calf numbers doubled in the space of the last fortnight in Bandon Mart, with 1,360 going through the ring on Monday.

The boats were sailing was the word before the sale started, but news began to filter through that there would be no boat for calves on Tuesday and shippers became a little bit more cautious.

Friesian bulls

Prices for shipping calves continue to be influenced by weather and the sailing schedule. This week, they generally made between €20 and €80, with most selling for between €40 to €60.

The stronger Friesian bull calf is still making from €90 to €155, with farmer buyers competing well for these.

Beef-crosses

As usual, there was solid demand for traditional beef breed-cross calves. Numbers of these were back a little on earlier sales and a small differential emerged between Hereford and Angus calves, with the white heads claiming a bit more of a premium.

Hereford bull calves generally made from €140 to €345, while the upper price range for Angus bulls topped out at €258.

It's very noticeable that farmers are feeding the calves a little longer this year

Most heifers of these breeds sold for between €110 and €230.

Continental calves were thin on the ground and they made up to €370.

There were some lighter calves that sold for under €20/head, but numbers of these were very small.

Second sale

Speaking after the sale, mart manager Tom McCarthy said: "The lighter shipping calves met a tighter trade, but they were selling away at the same time. It's very noticeable that farmers are feeding the calves a little longer this year, which is helping prices also.

"There’s more appetite for that stronger calf, especially from farmer buyers. With numbers increasing, we will begin having calf sales on Thursdays from 5 March."