There were 200 calves on offer in Bandon this week and demand was brisk. Commenting after the sale, mart manager Tom McCarthy said: “In order to attract the beef farmer to buy calves, you need a strong calf. The good Friesian calf with plenty of milk, there’s always a market for them, no matter how trade is going.

This bull calf born on 24 October sold for €70.

“Even at the worst spell, there were Friesian bull calves being sold for €80 to €130. Bull calf welfare is as important as the cow now on dairy farms.”

In the ring, Friesian bull calves made between €50 and €130. Traditional beef-bred-cross bull calves sold for between €110 and €280, with heifers of these breeds selling for between €90 and €205.

This 25-day-old heifer sold for €235.

Continentals were scarce, but in good demand, with heifers selling for up to €260 and continental bulls to €300.

Cow numbers are starting to increase, with 150 on offer this week. Tom said: “You’re starting to see more parlour cows coming out now.

This one-month-old Angus heifer made €195.

Farmers milked on a bit this year, but there was a bit more bite for the parlour cow this week. Finishers and feedlot buyers are active and there’s been a lift in the store trade with €1.80 to €2/kg paid for forward Angus and Hereford bullocks.”

This heifer calf born on 27 October sold for €220.

Entry fee is €2.50/head. Seller commission is €3/head up to €50, €4/head from €51 up to €100, €6.50/head for €101 to €150, €7/head from €151 to €300, €8/head for €301 upwards. Buyer commission: flat rate of €6/head.