Quality calves meet fierce bidding in Omagh

Omagh Mart held its weekly calf sale on Monday morning, where a packed yard of 426 calves created a lively atmosphere and set the tone for what proved to be a brisk and competitive trade throughout.

Buyers were active from the outset, and competition for the stronger calves was evident from the first lots forward.

Demand remained firm throughout, resulting in an impressive 99% clearance rate and achieving a strong average price of £560 across the sale.

The standout price of the day came for a four-month-old Limousin-cross bull calf, which sold for £1,180, reflecting the continued appetite for top-end, well-bred autumn-born stock.

Trade for bull calves remained particularly buoyant, with nine lots surpassing the £900 mark, a clear indication that the confidence in the dairy-beef sector is set to continue.

Aberdeen Angus calves enjoyed steady demand. Stronger, well-shaped Aberdeen Angus bull calves sold from £1,000 for a three-month-old lot, while younger calves under one month of age eased back to around £300.

A notable Aberdeen Angus-cross bull calf at one month old made £660, highlighting the variation based on age, strength and quality.

Continental calves also generated plenty of interest. Belgian Blue-cross bull calves ranged from £950 back to £450, with some very good-quality lots forward on the day.

A strong three-week-old Simmental-cross bull calf sold for £640, further demonstrating buyers’ willingness to compete for calves with frame and potential.

Pure dairy bull calves attracted notably stronger interest than in recent weeks and pushed to a top price of £580 for well grown lots. Meanwhile, younger calves, particularly those under three weeks of age, eased back in value but still maintained a respectable floor, trading from £200 upwards.

Heifer calves

Heifer calves enjoyed an equally positive trade, with a three-month-old Belgian Blue-cross heifer topping the section at £850. Belgian Blue-cross heifers dominated the higher-priced lots across the morning, securing the top 20 prices in the heifer category.

Aberdeen Angus heifers sold from £660 for a two-month-old calf back to £300 for younger lots. Limousin-cross heifers also met strong demand, ranging from £740 back to £350.

A December-born Simmental-cross heifer, noted for her potential as a future suckler cow, sold for £690.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, mart manager, Seamus O’Kane said: “Higher throughput since last September, meaning farmers are availing of the higher prices, which also means numbers will be smaller in the spring months and thus driving prices upwards at present.”