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There was a strong demand for most types of calves on offer at Kilrea Mart, Co Derry, last Thursday. A mix of breeds were on show with Friesian, Limousin and Angus-registered calves making up the biggest proportion of the 254 lots on offer.
Strong, well-conditioned calves that appear to have been well reared to date continued to meet the strongest demand from bidders around the ring.
Friesian bull calves sold well on the day, with the strongest calves on offer selling from £150 to £175. The run of Friesian bulls made from £60 to £100 and lesser types, or younger calves aged two or three weeks old, sold for around £50 or less.
Limousin bull calves sold for up to £365, with most selling for between £250 and £300. Limousin heifers made less, selling to a top price of £238, with the run of heifers going for around £200.
Other continental bred bulls sold well with the strongest selling for over £300 and heifers making slightly less. Belgian Blue heifers, for example, went for £260 to £290 and well-reared bulls pushed over £320.
The trade for Angus and Hereford calves was helped by their eligibility for bonus schemes run by local factories. A mixed show of Angus bulls meant prices ranged from £150 to over £300 but the run of Angus heifers sold for £170 to £180.
There was a very good trade for the small number of Hereford bull calves that passed through the sales ring, with the top selling for £365 and other best sellers going for £348, £335 twice and £250.
Buyers for calves were both farmers, who take the calves on to beef, and agents, who are buying calves (particularly Friesian bulls) for export or else for calving-rearing schemes or to sell on to farmers.
Slight improvement in mart prices in recent days
Farmers and feeders active in Baltinglass
Strong trade for calves as numbers increase slowly
Strong start to calf trade but numbers will be the test
Farmers driving calf prices but numbers small
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