Camera at the Mart: good demand for Friesian heifer calves in Bandon

Friesian heifer calves rarely get the limelight when it comes to spring calf sales, but there were a number of pedigree calves on offer in Bandon Mart on Monday last.

Prices topped out at €1,100, with the general run making from €600 to €970, with a small number of younger lighter calves selling below this.

For the sixth Monday in succession, over 2,000 calves went through the ring, with 2,030 on offer this week, of which 80% were sired by a beef breed bull.

Beef-crosses from Friesian dams and weighing from 50kg to 65kg, regardless of breed, were generally selling for between €200 and €450 again this week.

Friesian bulls made up 20% of all calves on offer, back 5% on the same sale last year. However, prices are improved on last year, with shippers driving demand and willing to open heavier lots at €300.

Stronger calves close to and over 60kg were generally trading for between €300 and €370. Lighter Friesians were making between €240 and €300, while Friesian-crosses and light Friesians generally traded for between €130 and €220.

Afterwards, manager Sean Dennehy said: “We had a section for Friesian heifer calves this week, with special entries from two farmers and demand was good. Prices for them were fairly similar to last year.

“When it comes to the general calf sale, I think there was a downward trend in prices for a couple of weeks, especially in the beef calves, but I see it steadying up.

“Farmers that couldn’t see value earlier on are beginning to see it now and I think the trade will remain steady from here. Friesian bulls are the ones that haven’t been impacted at all and they have been steady all spring.”