Camera at the Mart: numbers start to increase in Kilmallock

Two hundred and twenty calves were presented for sale in Kilmallock Mart on Monday as numbers slowly start to increase.

The offering mostly comprised beef-sired calves, with seven beef breeds represented.

The majority of beef-sired calves were Angus and Hereford but there was a good show of Charolais-cross calves also. These ranged from 10 days to five weeks, with a noticeable demand for calves older than three weeks.

Hereford bull calves rose as high as €385, with prices down to €155 for younger calves. Female whitehead calves started at €165 for calves of 10 days and went as high as €380 for the better-made older calves.

One exhibitor selling five-week-old Angus calves stole the show, topping the males at €390 and females at €350. Younger Angus heifers started as low as €145 while the lowest Angus bulls started at €215.

Most bulls and heifers from traditional breeds sold from €220 to €320/head.

The good entry of Charolais crosses peaked at €375 for a three-week-old bull calf. Most of the Charolais on offer were two- to three-week-olds, with few older. Bulls ranged from €220 to the previously mentioned €375, but few sold below the €300 mark.

While Charolais females started at €245, it was a similar story, with most lots making €300 plus, up to a top of €345.

Both male and female Friesian calves ranged from €20 to €130. These were mostly younger stock, with the average at around €70. One Jersey female was offered, selling for €125.

Taking the top price on the day was a three-week-old Belgian Blue bull calf which sold for €435. Blue calves were light on the ground but those that sold met a lively trade. The top female Blue calf was a two-week-old that sold for €385.

A small entry of young, light Limousin calves were offered, which ranged from €130 to €150/head.

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