Skibbereen mart manager Tom McCarthy said that the sale on Good Friday was the first time this year when farmer buyers were extremely active. The difficult spring saw local buyers back a little on normal but they appeared in good numbers as did the stock numbers.

There was a very solid trade for continental bullocks, with most of what was on offer selling for between €2.30/kg and €2.40/kg. One of the standout lots from the sale was four Charolais bullocks with an average weight of 450kg. They sold for €1,230, €2.73/kg. Angus and Hereford crosses were selling from €2/kg up to €2.25/kg, with Friesian bullocks making from €1.65 to €1.80/kg.

There was also a good selection of weanling bulls on offer, with the top of the range making €600 to €700 with their weight.

Bulls born April 2017 weighing 338kg, sold for €800, €2.37/kg.

Bulls born April 2017 weighing 338kg, sold for €800, €2.37/kg.

Calves

It’s always a concern when you over hear a farmer say “Do you want free calves?” That comment only told one part of the story, with the calf sale becoming a tale of two herd types.

Almost three-quarters of the 600 calves on offer were Angus or Hereford crosses. But there was a very pronounced difference in their prices.

If the calves were from Friesian herds, they were in good demand, with bulls and heifers making anywhere from €120 up to €260. At the other extreme buyers must have learned lessons from buying traditional beef breed crosses from Jersey cross dairy cows as both bulls and heifers sold for between €5 and €60/hd.

There was more appetite for Friesian bull calves as these sold from €55 to €120.

There was only a sprinkling of continental calves and those from Friesian herds sold for up to €310 while continentals from cross bred herds were making up to €150.

Bull born April 2017 weighing 575kg sold for €1,330, €2.31/kg.

Bull born April 2017 weighing 575kg sold for €1,330, €2.31/kg.

Cows

The cow trade remained solid with €200 with their weight and over it available for fleshed Friesian cows, while cull sucklers in good condition were commanding €400 and over with their weight. Cows in need of feeding of all types were making under €200 with their weight.

Two bullocks born April 2016 weighing 532kg made €1,255, €2.36/kg.

Two bullocks born April 2016 weighing 532kg made €1,255, €2.36/kg.