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There were 270 calves on offer in Bandon Mart, with a large increase expected over the next few weeks.
Auctioneer Jonathan O’Sullivan said farmers selling were fairly happy with the prices, especially for Angus and whiteheads.
He added: “It was mostly farmer buyers on the day, as calves are still above shipping value. There was only a handful of calves sold for under €100, but most of these were very young calves. Shippers were present, but numbers were small and they weren’t really partaking yet.”
Friesian bull calves made from €50 for very young calves to €155 for those up to six weeks old, with older calves making up to€200.
Hereford and Angus bulls made from €220 to €350 for stronger calves, while Angus and Hereford heifer calves sold from €200 to €280. Continental heifers sold for up to €330 and continental bulls made up to €360.
Entry fee is €2.50/head. Cork Marts has a new commission structure since 1 January 2017. The seller pays €3 for sales up to €50; €4 for sales of €51 to €100; €6.50 from €101 to €150; €7 for €151 to €300 and €8 for sales of €301 upwards.
Slight improvement in mart prices in recent days
Farmers and feeders active in Baltinglass
Strong trade for calves as numbers increase slowly
Strong start to calf trade but numbers will be the test
Farmers driving calf prices but numbers small
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