Camera at the Mart: brisk trade for bull calves in Castleisland

Close to 700 calves went through the ring in Castleisland Mart for the Co Kerry mart's weekly calf sale on Monday last.

Trade for was brisk, with bull calves meeting exceptionally strong demand.

Most calves traded for between €250 and €700, with lighter heifers featuring at the lower end of that price range.

After the sale, mart manager Neilus McAuliffe said: “Calves are a serious trade and there was a great strong calf there again this week.

"With milk prices back, I’m seeing farmers hang on to the calves an extra week and feeding them on. They’re bringing a stronger calf in here and for a lot of the strong beef-crosses, they’re capable of selling for between €600 and €800.

"Those very light heifers around 50kg to 55kg were making from €250 to €280, with bulls around the same weight making from €400 to €450. For a calf that’s a bit heavier, you’re looking at €500 to €600 and higher in cases.

'Serious trade'

"They’ve been that way all the spring. Last year, prices in March were so-so and then they took off, but, this year, it’s been a serious trade from day one.

"Whiteheads and pollys have been the two big winners this spring and the good Friesian bull too.

"What they’re making this year is what Friesian weanlings were making other years. The good Friesian bull calf around 60kg to 75kg has been making €400 to €550. I’ve never seen the like of it.

"Farmers were buying a share of them early on, but, since March, shippers have been awful strong for those good calves.”