Camera at the Mart: up to €365 for Friesian bulls in Delvin

Delvin Mart dipped its toes into the 2026 calf-selling season with the Co Westmeath mart’s first calf sale of the year taking place on Thursday last.

Numbers were tidy, with close to 30 on offer, but this didn’t hamper prices.

Friesian bulls were making up to €365, with lighter Friesians back from there to €250, while Friesian-cross bulls sold from €325 back to €170.

Beef-crosses were in demand, with the majority of them selling for between €400 and €500.

Following the sale, mart manager Elliott Potterton said: “We’re a bit early for the part of the country yet with calving getting going only a few weeks ago, but price-wise it’s a great start.

“We won’t see numbers pick up until we’re well into March. I think it’s great money any day you’re clearing €200 for those dairy bull calves and we had up to €365 this week.

“There were all dairy farmers’ calves there and all were kept a bit longer than usual.

Effective

“That’s something farmers saw last year – they got paid to hold on to calves and it proved effective.

“Those nearly-month-olds were €150 dearer than the calf two weeks of age. That extra week or two is worth it when it comes to selling.

“Costs are high and milk price has been impacted, so if they can keep their calves for an extra week or two, it could earn them an extra €100 to €150.

“The biggest thing at the minute is the weather, it’s held shipping up, but we’re hoping most of the worst of the weather is out of the way.

“It’s slowing everything down, farmers are less inclined to come out as they’re busier trying to manage slurry and calving.”