Key facts
- Thurles Mart hosted a calf sale on Wednesday, June 3, with 173 calves offered.
- The sale achieved a 93% clearance rate.
- Export buyers purchased approximately 70% of the calves.
- Export customers paid between €320-€450/head for calves.
- Average prices included €361/head for Angus heifers and €542/head for Hereford bulls.
The Mid Tipperary Co-Operative Livestock Mart in Thurles hosted its weekly calf sale on Wednesday, June 3, featuring 173 calves, an increase from the 130 calves in the prior sale. Ciara Ryan, the mart manager, reported a 93% clearance rate, with strong activity from export buyers who acquired nearly 70% of the calves. Export customers paid between €320 and €450 per head, depending on breed, age, and sex. Sample prices included €360 for an Angus heifer calf, €670 for a six-week-old Hereford bull, €250 for a Friesian bull, €550 for a Simmental bull, and €280 each for two Angus heifers. Ryan noted that the mart typically sees stronger calves as the season progresses and observed fewer younger calves. She attributed the higher number of calves this week, contrary to a national downward trend, to favorable weather allowing farmers to focus on silage, thus delaying sales. Average prices reported were €361/head for Angus heifers, €428 for Angus bulls, €542 for Hereford bulls, €409 for Hereford heifers, €500 for Belgian Blue heifers, and €466 for Belgian Blue bulls. Ryan commented that prices are holding firm compared to the beef trade and that the decrease from early spring highs was expected as demand and supply ease towards summer. She expressed optimism for the remaining sales, anticipating the calf trade to continue for another two to three weeks.