The past week has seen another drop in the number of calves on offer around the country. Friesian bull prices have strengthened by almost €10/head and mart managers have said that demand continues to be strong.

Shippers continue to be active and with more exporters in the market this year, they are having a noticeably positive effect on the trade driven by improved demand in both the Dutch and Spanish markets.

On the home front, farmer buyers sourcing Friesian bulls are generally picking the older and stronger calves and paying from €100 to €140/head for them. Light young calves are still making from €80 to €100, while Jersey bulls are low in numbers and receiving poor prices.

Angus bulls and heifers are seeing prices run at about the same level as previous weeks, from €150 to €190/head, depending on quality. These are noticeably cheaper than other years. However, some mart managers have said that the quality of Angus calves on offer is not quite as strong as last year.

Herefords are still performing well, with the majority of heifers selling from €170 to €220, while bull calves are selling from €210 for young calves to €250 for older better-quality types. Compared with last week, the prices recorded for both Angus and Hereford calves is on a par.

The best prices continue to be continental calves, but the numbers on offer are small. The majority of plainer Limousin calves are making from €220 to €300/head, while good-quality Charolais calves are making up to €450/head, not much less than a light weanling.

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