Unusual sale day doesn't upset Bandon calf sales

St Patrick's Day falling on a Monday saw the calf sale in Bandon Mart pushed out until Tuesday and while numbers were back on last week, they were still respectable, with just over 1,800 calves going through the ring.

The regulars - Friesians, Angus- and Hereford-crosses - accounted for nine out of every 10 calves on offer and it was business as usual when it came to the trade.

If there was something noticeable, it was that there appeared to be a bit more bite at the upper end of the trade for heavier beef-cross calves, with farmers willing to pay that little bit extra for a well done calf.

Most export-type Friesian bulls continued to trade for between €100 and €220, with a small share trading for either side of this price range.

Demand

Stronger Friesian bull calves under six weeks of age continue to be in demand and broke the €300 mark on occasion, with a top price of €360 paid out for a five-week-old 80kg calf.

Angus-crosses made up 40% of all calves on offer at the west Cork venue and there was no shortage of appetite, with calves weighing over 60kg tending to make over €300 frequently and up to €545 was available for heavier calves closer to 90kg.

The lighter Angus-cross calf closer to 50kg traded along similar lines to stronger Friesian bull calves, while Angus-calves closer to 40kg tended to make similar money to shipping-type Friesian bulls.

Hereford-crosses had the widest range of the day, with a low of €5 for a 30kg heifer and up to €535 paid out at the upper end of trade for an 84kg heifer. In between, their prices tracked along a similar line to Angus-crosses.

Continentals were scarce this week and sold for prices the same as other beef breeds.

Next week's calf sale in Bandon Mart reverts back to the usual Monday slot.