Calf numbers in marts appear to be ramping up this week. On Monday, Thurles Mart had twice as many calves as the week before.

On Tuesday, Kilkenny Mart also saw a large increase, with just over 330 calves on offer.

But the influx in numbers was met with firm demand from buyers, including a number of exporters, and analysis of MartBids data shows a 100% clearance of calves was achieved on the day.

Mart auctioneer George Candler noted a fine trade for good-quality calves, underpinned by a good demand for Hereford- and Angus-crosses.

Prices

MartBids data shows 300 bull calves sold to an average price of €90 each.

By breed, Friesian bull calves came into an average of €60 per head, but, in reality, there was a two-tiered price range.

First-rate Friesian calves ranged from €100 to €265 per head, while second-rate Friesians were selling for between €10 and €80 each by and large.

Hereford-cross bull calves sold to an average of €225/head, while Angus-cross calves averaged €280/head.

Both breeds started at €90/head for weaker calves and climbed to a top €350/head for strong quality singles. Meanwhile, €170 to €300 was a common price range for the standard animal.

Continental bull calves were an excellent trade, according to Candler.

The bulk of continentals ranged between €170 and €340 per head, but some fine-quality lots – typically Charolais-cross – ran to a high of €440/head.

There was only 30 female calves on offer. Angus- and Hereford-crosses ranged from €70 to €200 per head, with continental heifers valued at €100 to €300 each.