The weekly calf sale took place in Kilkenny on Tuesday, with prices rising on the week by nearly €40.

While getting late for calves, a majority beef make-up helped to boost the average heifer price by €12.50 and bull calf prices by just shy of €40 per animal.

In total, 87 females averaged €195, while 96 bull calves averaged €180.

Peak price

Angus female trade peaked at €250, with an average price of €130 for 33 sold. A strong entry of 42 Hereford female calves saw a top of €350, with the average price settling at €233.

In particularly hot demand was a group of Aubrac-cross cattle. On the female side, six calves sold to average €301 to a top of €370 for an early April-born calf. Of the male Aubracs, eight sold to average €206, with a top price of €280.

However, the Limousin breed had the highest average for male calves with eight selling to settle at €283. The was led by two calves selling for €370 apiece.

Hereford bulls met a solid trade, with 25 selling to average €204, while 37 Angus bull calves settled at €165.

A lone Charolais-cross bull calf sold for €315, while a lone Belgian Blue heifer got the sale off to a good start when selling for €320.