There were 200 bullocks on offer in Bandon with a good mix between Friesian, Angus and continentals. Friesians were plentiful, with most selling for between €1.45/kg and €1.65/kg. P grade cattle, over-age stock and those with a lot of movements were a tougher sell.

Overall, Friesian bullocks sold from €180 to €420 with their weight. Angus bullocks over 550kg were in strong demand, making €1.79 to €1.84/kg for the best lots. Beef-cross bullocks sold from €300 to €700 with their weight.

Sample prices for 2015 bullocks:

  • Seven Angus, February, 575kg - €1,055 ,€1.84/kg
  • Three Limousin, July, 450kg - €1,020, €2.27/kg
  • Two Charolais, February, 490kg - €1,030, €2.10/kg
  • Six Angus, February, 565kg - €1,040, €1.84/kg
  • Six Friesian, January, 554kg - €850, €1.53/kg
  • Four Friesian, January, 582kg - €900, €1.55/kg
  • Four Limousin, June, 432kg - €1,025, €2.37/kg
  • Seven Angus, February, 457kg - €800, €1.75/kg
  • One Hereford, March, 540kg - €1,030, €1.91/kg

    • Heifers

    Heifer numbers were well back, with only 20 on offer, practically all Angus and Hereford crosses. They made from €300 up to €500 over the €/kg. Sample prices:

  • Three Hereford 555kg - €995, €1.79/kg
  • Three Hereford 486kg - €855, €1.76/kg
  • One red Angus 600kg - €1,110, €1.85/kg
  • One Angus 460kg - €760, €1.65/kg

    • Calves

    Calf numbers were up, with 285 calves on offer this week. Friesian bull calves made from €100 to €150, with runners selling for up to €360. Hereford and Angus bulls made from €200 to €360 for younger calves, with runners selling from €380 to €520. Angus and Hereford heifer calves sold from €180 to €300, with weanlings making from €320 to €490.

    Cows

    There were 105 cows on sale and they made from €175 under to €420 over the €/kg. Parlour cows were very numerous again this week and were a tough trade. Younger cows and well-fleshed cows were thin on the ground, but sold well.

    Sample prices:

  • One Angus 790kg - €1,170, €1.32/kg
  • One Friesian 690kg - €890, €1.29/kg
  • One Friesian 740kg - €960, €1.30/kg
  • One Friesian 770kg - €990, €1.29/kg

    • Read more

    Heifers drive cattle price recovery at Balla Mart