Farmers drive calf trade in Drumcollogher

There were close to 400 calves on offer in Dromcollogher Mart for the Co Limerick mart’s weekly calf sale on Thursday 19 March.

Angus-crosses made up almost half of all calves present and the majority of those sold for between €290 and €440.

A selection of lighter calves were available to purchase for prices below €290, while prices from €510 to €645 were available for heavier calves.

Prices for Hereford-crosses were similar, but with a shade more available at the upper end for them, with up to €660 paid for a one-month-old bull calf.

Three out of every 10 calves on offer were either Friesian or Friesian-crosses.

Most stronger Friesian bulls sold from between €290 and €395, with a handful of British Friesian-type bull calves making from €440 to €500.

At the other end of the trade, lighter calves generally traded for between €170 to €270 with a number selling for a price below this range.

Following the sale, mart manager Shane Egan said: “We had five exporters all anxious for calves along with strong farmer demand.

"Trade was probably up compared to the week gone by as there were issues with getting calves shipped, so Friesians might have been up €70 to €80 this week.

"Other than that trade was similar. They were a great trade with loads of farmers for bidding for them.

"Exporters didn’t stand a chance for some of the better Friesians. They appear to be looking for bulls predominantly, of any breed at the moment.

"Belgian Blues have been an all-merciful trade for this spring, especially with exporters. There are no problems selling them, even if they’re from Jersey cows, so there’s obviously a good market for them at the moment.

"Having nearly 400 calves is great going for here compared to what it was and we had a full clearance. The day and the later start suits farmers as they don’t have to be in mad early.”

There will be a special calf show and sale held in Dromcollogher in the next few weeks, enquire locally for details.