Calves in Bandon made up the bulk of what was on offer with 2,320 calves sold in a sale that finished before 6pm. With the sale also featuring 220 cull cows, it gave a glimpse of what to expect in future spring sales at the venue.

Prices ranged from €65 to €135 for export-type Friesian bull calves, and there was good demand from farmer buyers for stronger Friesian bulls, which made up to €200.

There was a notable increase in the amount of Angus and Hereford cross calves available and the difference in quality between the calves was very evident here with well-fed calves making almost double what farmers were getting for some of their lighter comrades of the same age.

Friesian bull calves, 19 days old, sold for €80/head.

There was a solid trade for traditional beef breed crosses from Friesian cows with bull calves selling for between €140 and €415.

Hereford and Angus heifers sold for between €120 and €310. Continentals were thin on the ground but were in good demand. Heifers made from €200 to €410, while continental bulls made between €250 and €450/head.

Continental calves were scarce but in good demand.

Jersey and crossbred bull calves, along with half-twin heifers, made from €1 up to €50, and smaller poorly conformed Friesians were in the same price bracket.

Beef-sired calves bred from crossbred cows sold for €120.

The solid cow trade from 2017 remains with prices ranging from €50 to €500 with their weight.

Cow prices

  • One Friesian, 750kg: €1,200, €1.60/kg.
  • One Angus, 730kg: €1,210, €1.66/kg
  • One Friesian, 760kg: €1,100, €1.41/kg.
  • One Friesian, 655kg: €880, €1.34/kg.
  • One Friesian, 530kg: €730, €1.38./kg.
  • One Friesian, 635kg: €965, €1.52/kg.

    • Read more

    Calves make €1 to €420 at record Cashel Mart sale

    Flying trade for all types of hoggets at Ballymote Mart