Camera at the Mart: slight easing in price as almost 2,200 calves sell in Bandon

There was a little under 2,200 calves in Bandon Mart this week.

Back a fraction on last week, there was an easing in prices across the board for the 2,177 calves on offer as January- and most early February-born calves have gone through the ring at this point of the year.

Regardless of breed, €250 to €500 would have purchased a good share of calves weighing up to 60kg this week.

About half of the Friesians on offer fell into this price range, along with any beef breed crosses.

Angus-crosses made up 42% of all calves on offer, with Hereford-crosses more scarce, accounting for 12% of all on offer.

Friesians and Friesian-crosses made up just over one third of calves this week and while some made over €400, most Friesians sold for between €200 and €350. Some crossbreds hit into this price bracket too.

Lighter calves sold for under €200, with some lighter calves available for under €100.

Exceptional prices

The exceptional prices that farmers are willing to pay for early calves has eased, with about 150 calves making over €700 this week. Prices in excess of this were more common a month ago.

Topping the trade were a pair of 97kg Simmental-cross bulls that made €990, with a 98kg Angus bull making €880 and a Hereford-cross bull weighing 102kg selling for €820.

Traditional beef breed-crosses weighing over 65kg generally sold for between €500 and €650, with a share above and below this range.

Following the sale, auctioneer Denis O’Donoghue said: “We had big numbers again this week, but Friesians are blowing hot and cold, depending on who’s bidding on them and the type of Friesian that comes into the ring.

"We had Friesians up to €480 for 66kg bulls and heavier making €440. There was still plenty of demand for all types of calves from shippers and farmers, but with the big numbers out, they have plenty options so compared to recent sales, some prices were back a fraction.”