Camera at the Mart: prices and numbers up in Bandon

Trends in calf sales were thrown out of kilter early on in the year and that continues to be the case in May.

Just when you think the calf numbers are returning to where they are most years, they get a bounce.

That was the case in Bandon Mart this week, where 1,105 calves went through the ring, a lift of 100 compared with last week.

Usually, numbers would begin to taper off from mid-April, but that doesn't seem to be the case this year.

You might expect that older calves would make up a larger proportion of this increase, but that didn't appear to be the case.

There were a few pens with strong calves coming up on weaning or perhaps weaned, but younger calves under six weeks made up the bulk of what was on offer.

Old stalwarts

Yet again, the old stalwarts - Angus- and Hereford-crosses - made up most of what was on offer and calves of those breeds between 60kg and 75kg tended to sell for between €120 and €250.

Lighter calves weren't as plentiful and mainly sold for between €50 and €100, with a few selling for under that price range. Some older calves with Jersey genetics and aged around two months were making similar money.

Heavier calves, mostly those weighing in excess of 80kg, sired by traditional beef breed calves exceeded €250 for the most part and they offered the best chance at making over €300.

A select few of those under six weeks old made from €350 to €370.

Angus and Hereford runners made from €300 to €450.

Continental calves were very scarce this week and made similar money to Angus and Herefords.

Friesians, too, were scarce and most made anywhere from €40 to €150 for younger calves, with runners making between €200 and €300.