With a quieter than usual bank holiday last week due to restrictions, there seemed to be more people attending marts to preview calves which drew more attention and customer demand to sales.

Carnew Mart

Speaking to Agriland about Saturday’s calf sale at Carnew Mart – manager David Quinn stated that some of the prices paid for calves were €10/head better than the prices secured the previous week.

“Hereford heifers were selling from €120/head up to €260/head, while the bulls sold from €300/head back to €150/head”.

Waterford Ross Mart

There were roughly 790 calves on sale on Saturday, with manager Richard Kirwan reporting positive levels of custom for calves.

“Hereford bulls sold at €120-370/head – with heifers selling from €100/head up to €340/head”.

Kilmallock Mart

Speaking to Agriland after this week’s sale, Denis Kirby from Kilmallock Mart stated:

“Between farmers and exporters, they were leaving general prices for Hereford calves to sell from €200/head up to a top of €375/head”.

***Report above accredited to Michael Carey, Agriland – Calf Trade Report dated 07/04/2021***

Bandon Mart

1400 calves presented for sale in Bandon this week with trade being described as solid.

Throughout March – January & February born, beef cross calves were much sought after for calf rearing systems which created healthy competition.

Despite the increase in numbers of Hereford calves presenting at marts, demand still remained strong this week in Bandon with Hereford calves selling for between €160 – € 280 with a smaller selection then has been in recent weeks, earning above € 280. Again four to six week old calves were favoured.

*** Above report from Bandon & Photo accredited to Irish Farmers Journal, ‘Camera at the mart’, dated 06/04/2021***