Tullamore Mart is now offering a standalone weekly sale for calves, starting from this Tuesday 24 February.

Previously, the calves were sold before the weanlings on a Monday.

However, recent demand from both buyers and sellers and bigger numbers has warranted an individual sale day of its own, according to Tullamore Mart manager Antoinette Daly.

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Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal on Monday, Daly said that the calves will be sold in a new calf ring, which, up to this, was being used for storage.

Value

"Last year was such a good year for calves from both a value and numbers point of view, we said we'd get the calf ring sorted. We're expecting over 100 calves on Tuesday.

"As of now we won't be weighing the calves, but if that's what being demanded of us, we will get scales.

"There seems to be good demand, based on phone calls, from both buyers and sellers. We've contacted buyers, including exporters, and they all said they'd be here," Daly said.

Intake for Tuesday's sale at noon will take place from 9.30am until 11.30am.

Demand for calves remains brisk around the country, with farmer buyers out in force trying to secure stock.