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Last Monday’s calf sale at Kilkenny Mart saw an increased entry of about 172 calves on offer. Numbers were up on the previous week and are expected in increase week-on-week for the next four to six weeks. Peak sales are usually in late March or early April.
Monday’s sale again saw strong farmer demand for all good-quality types. Those young and plainer calves continue to be met with the weakest demand, with farmer buyers focusing on quality and age at purchase.
Those young Friesian calves that are about two weeks of age and plainer types sold mainly from €40 to €125. Stronger young calves sold mainly from €70 to €100, while better-quality and older Friesian bulls sold from €130 to €170, with aged and top-quality types making up to €245/head. Angus and Hereford bulls sold from €180 to €415.
Again like bulls, the older the heifer calf, the higher the prices. Angus and Hereford heifers sold from €100 to €350, a little below the equivalent bull calf.
Continental calves were met with very strong demand, but supply continues to be low. Prices ranged from €200 to €380 for bulls and €160 to €360 for heifers.
Commission rates are €4 to €7 to the seller, depending on the number sold, and up to €7/head to the buyer, depending on sale price.
Prices ease slightly as calf numbers jump
Farmers drive the cattle trade at Mohill mart
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