This four-week-old Belgian Blue heifer calf sold for €2,090.

Numbers continue to increase at calf sales around the country, with higher numbers reported in sales over the last few days.

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Carrigallen Mart in Co Leitrim has a weekly calf sale every Saturday, with 350 calves entered in Saturday’s sale.

“We’ve seen a big increase in numbers over the last two weeks, with dairy farmers moving calves a little earlier on the back of the good trade,” mart manager Helen Kells said.

Commenting on the trade from Saturday's sale, Helen said: "We've Friesian bulls making from €280 to €400 freely, with both exporters and farmers hungry for calves. Belgian Blue, Hereford and Angus-cross calves are selling exceptionally well, with strong calves freely making €600 to €800, even up to €900 for some calves.

"Heifer weanlings continue to be a steady trade, with a good lift seen in the trade for bull weanlings on Saturday compared to the week before.

"Next Monday 16 March we're holding a TB-restricted sale. We've a strong entry and a number of calves will be on offer. I encourage anyone interested to contact the mart and keep an eye on all our social media sites."

Top prices

This four-week-old Aberdeen Angus heifer calf sold for €540.

This four-week-old BelgianBlue-cross heifer sold for €800.

This three-week-old Hereford bull sold for €640.

This four-week-old Angus bull sold for €800.

This two-week-old Limousin bull sold for €630.

This five-weekold Friesian bull sold for €360.

This three-week-old Friesian bull sold for €330.