Calf numbers increased again at Cashel mart on Saturday as dairy farmers start to offload cattle born in late January and early February. Prices held up well in general, with good activity mainly from farmer buyers stocking up for dairy calf to beef enterprises.

Again, black and white Friesians were in the majority and bull calves made in the range of €120 to €140 each for calves two to three weeks old and going well.

Some lesser-quality types made less and older calves made up to €160/€170 each.

This pair of Aberdeen Angus bull calves, about 14 days old, made €230 each.

This pair of Aberdeen Angus bull calves, about 14 days old, made €230 each.

This red Limousin bull calf out of a dairy cow made €230.

This red Limousin bull calf out of a dairy cow made €230.

Black whitehead bull calves opened in the ring at €290 and most made €340 plus each as demand for coloured calves continues.

There was only a small number of continental-type calves on offer, mostly out of the dairy herd. One lot of five nice Charolais calves made €440 each, sold to a buyer from Galway.

Sample prices

  • A 14-day-old red Limousin bull calf made €230.
  • A 14-day-old black and white Friesian bull calf made €125.
  • A 10-day-old black and white Holstein Friesian bull calf made €110.
  • A 21-day-old white Belgian Blue bull calf made €270.
  • A pair of 14-day-old Angus cross dairy bull calves made €230 each.

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