Last Saturday saw a return to normality in marts with the removal of social distancing restrictions in all marts around the country.
After the announcement of restrictions being lifted last Friday, many marts, including Carrigallen, allowed more buyers around the ring with the return to full capacity.
The all-important mart canteen was also back in full swing.
@farmersjournal at Carrigallen Mart for their suck calf sale. The hammer went down for this Hereford heifer calf at €180 @FJBeef pic.twitter.com/0tlZFow8fU
— Niamh (@Niamh_gunn) January 22, 2022
In total, 75 calves were on offer in Carrigallen Mart. Of the 75, 68 found a new home, leaving a clearance rate of 91%.
Trade remains steady in the suck calf section, with a top price of €630 for a November-born Charolais-cross bull calf.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Carrigallen Mart manager Helen Kells said: "Trade remained very good for the first month of 2022, with a large number of buyers around. A high percentage of farmers are buying, with a few exporters starting to gain interest as well."
@farmersjournal here at Carrigallen mart for the suck calf sale. This Belgian Blue cross bull calf sold for €490 @FJBeef pic.twitter.com/51mxjj1twf
— Niamh (@Niamh_gunn) January 22, 2022
Hereford calves ranged from €180 up to €340/head, with Aberdeen Angus bull and heifer calves making on average €200/head. Limousin calves were a good trade, with some of the top calves making up to €550.
Younger Friesian bull calves ranged from €50 to €80, with stronger older bull calves going under the hammer for €140/head.
"Online bidding is still really popular with a high percentage of these online bidders from Northern Ireland," according to Helen.
"Overall, we are seeing a really good start to the 2022 trade and hope that the end of COVID restrictions will be beneficial for the year ahead."
Carrigallen Mart will hold a special sale for bullocks on Thursday 3 March.