Weaker trade in Friesian calves
The number of calves on offer has risen sharply with prices for all showing some effect of the stronger supply bringing downward pressure on the prices.
Prices for the Continentals are holding up best in the bulls, with Hereford and Angus also maintaining a good trade.
Prices for the poorer quality Holstein-Friesian bulls dropped back by €30-€50/head. The young and dairy-type Friesian bull calves have dropped back to €50/head at the low end of the price scale.
Good quality Friesian bulls are still making up to €220/head at the top of the market and exceptional lots made up to €2,456/head at yesterday’s sales.
Continental bull calves are continuing a very firm trade with the best lots making up to €400/head and the general run ranging €240-€300/head. Hereford and Angus bull calves are trading at a discount of €20-€40/head of the continentals.
There is strong demand for the quality Friesian Heifer at prices up to €300/head, depending on age. Hereford and Angus heifers are ranging €140-€250/head.
There were nearly 1,000 calves on offer at Bandon on Monday where prices were back by up to €30/head. The supply is showing a weekly rise building up to the peak seasonal trade in the next month, with prices expected to come under further pressure as the supply increases.
On Monday Friesian bull calves made €80-€210/ head and Continental bulls made €250-€410/head. There was also a bigger turnout at Kilmallock Mart with the Friesian bulls at €100-€230 and Continental bulls €240-€370/head. Plain Friesian calves were an easier trade at Dungarvan, ranging €80-€200 and at Fermoy €50-€220/head.
