With pens full of Friesians and traditional beef breed crosses, the Henry Ford adage “you can have any colour you like as long as it’s black” almost applied to this week’s bullock sale in Bandon. Around 260 bullocks were put through the ring, with numbers still remaining ahead of what was available at the same time last year.

Friesians made up almost half of what was available in the bullock sale and the majority of these were spring 2016-born animals.

Prices for these held firm, with very few selling for below €1.70/kg, with most selling from €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg.

Angus and Herefords back

Angus and Hereford bullocks born in 2016 seemed to be back a little and were making from €1.90/kg to €2.11/kg, with a handful over and under this price range.

Continentals were very thin on the ground and they made up to €2.26/kg.

There was a limited supply of forward stores and these made from €1.55/kg for Friesians to €1.95/kg for beef crosses.

Overall, Friesians sold for between €200 and €522 with their weight and beef crosses made between €350 and €600 over the euro per kilo.

Sample prices

2016 born bullocks:

Five Friesian, February, 482kg - €865, €1.80/kg.

Five Friesian, January, 475kg - €850, €1.79/kg.

Eight Friesian, January, 435kg - €750, €1.74/kg.

Four Hereford, February, 581kg - €1,080, €1.86/kg.

Five Hereford, February, 517kg - €1,005, €1.94/kg.

Eight Angus, January, 466kg - €935, €2.01/kg.

Seven Angus, March, 420kg - €870, €2.07/kg.