Last Monday’s calf sale at Castleisland Mart saw an entry of approximately 780. Mart manager David White said that there was good trade and a 95% clearance rate ensued.

There was export activity, with three present and active. In terms of demand, they were generally buying calves from €70 to €110/head and to €115/head in some cases.

Farmer buyers continue to be very active for all stronger and aged calves. As a result, prices were running from €120 to €140/head, with top-quality strong, well-framed calves out of British Friesian cows making to €200.

David said that there was strong demand for Angus and Hereford calves on offer. Farmers were the main buyers here and prices ranged mainly from €280 to €380/head. David said that the number of Angus and Hereford calves on offer is running a little behind the same time last year, but he expects numbers to increase quickly in the coming weeks as farmers offload higher numbers.

The strongest prices at the sale continue to be for continental-bred calves, although the numbers of these is low. Prices of €400 to €450/head are common for all good-quality continental calves, with some of the best demand for Limousin heifers.

Commission rates are 1.5% to the seller and €8 to the buyer with €9 to the buyer charged for adult stock.