Calf sales strong despite export fears

LIVELY demand and strong prices are reported in early calf sales, despite growing fears that a combination of restricted lairage capacity and shipping schedules could hit the live export trade this spring.

Strong farmer buying has underpinned the trade over the last fortnight, but a marked price divide has opened up between four-five week olds and younger stock.

Jim Bushe of New Ross Mart said there was “very good demand”, with farmers taking the older and dearer animals and the exporters buying the plainer and younger stock.

Older Friesian bulls ranged from €130/hd to €195/hd, with farmers doing all the buying. The majority of Angus and Hereford bulls sold for €150-270/ hd, with good quality Herefords making up to €350/hd.

In Bandon Mart, Tom McCarthy reported that “good calves did well but the lighter ones were under pressure”.

Older ‘farmer-type’ Friesian bulls sold for €90-165/hd, while ‘shipper-type’ bulls generally made €50-90/hd.