Prices soften as calf numbers remain over 2,400 in Bandon

Prices softened further for calves in Bandon Mart on Monday, where 2,447 calves were on offer.

With many farmers getting their calves earlier on, shippers picked up the slack and were very much to the fore in the trade.

This resulted in some lighter continental crosses from Friesian dams and weighing close to 50kg, making similar money to Friesian bulls that were about 5kg heavier.

The pattern of most beef calves and the top two thirds of Friesians weighing between 50kg and 60kg selling for between €250 to €450 seems to be taking hold.

Looking back at the same sale last year, prices seem to be running €100/head above 2025 levels for all calves.

Active shippers

Approaching 7pm and with the sale still active, auctioneer Denis O’Donoghue said there were close to 50 buyers that had purchased at that point of the sale.

Commenting that the spread of buyers wasn’t as broad as it was earlier this spring, it reflected how active shippers are for calves at the moment.

“Most shippers had close to over 200 calves bought at that point. They’re buying whatever suits their orders, with some specialising in Friesians and others looking for a stronger beef calf.”

“When it comes to price, it’s back on last week. We have big numbers again and you’d really notice the difference between a 50kg and a 60kg Friesian calf. Shippers are more confident for that stronger calf and it’s showing in the prices.

“That said, we’re still seeing big prices for heavier calves. There’s still €10/kg, or near it, being got for calves over 70kg.”

Those prices were to be got late on too, with a 90kg Belgian Blue-cross making €865 and €700 paid for a 70kg Hereford-cross bull.

Angus-crosses

Almost 1,400 calves were sired by either an Angus or a Hereford bulls. Over 1,000 of those were Angus-crosses. Those over 65kg of both breeds had the best chance of breaking €500, with some making over €700.

Friesians and Friesian-crossed accounted for about one third of all calves on offer.

In general, Friesian bull calves close to or over 60kg were selling for between €300 to €400, with some heavier ones making up to €480.

A few lots of those weighing under 55kg broke the €300 mark but for the most part €220 to €300 was the going rate for these.

Lighter calves close to 40kg were a much tougher sell with very few making three digits figures.