The average price paid for Friesian bulls has naturally slipped slightly, driven by larger numbers of young and light calves on offer.

Exporters are sourcing calves between €70 and €110/head mainly, with some exporters sourcing a slightly stronger calf for some markets.

The average Friesian bull is currently making from €90 to €100, with lighter and younger calves making from€70 to €80/head. Where strong three- to four-week-old calves are on offer, prices of €120 to €150 are being paid by farmers.

Jersey calves, where on offer, are making from €15 to €20/head, with many down as low as €5/head. The average Angus calf has seen a weakening in price, with the majority of bulls and heifers selling from €150 to €200, with strong three- to four-week-old bulls making about €220/head.

Hereford calves have seen prices ease also, with the majority of bulls and heifers selling from €200 to €250/head. However, where good-quality three- to four-week-old calves are on offer, prices of €250 to €280/head are possible. The number of continental calves on offer remains low. However, where they are on offer, bulls are selling mainly from €230 to €350, with heifers selling mainly from €180 to €300. The best demand is for good-quality Blue calves and Charolais, but the numbers of Charolais calves on offer remains very low.

Lively cull cow trade a talking point

Grass buyers active for store cattle

Average of €1,580 at Nenagh dairy show and sale

A guide to special and upcoming sales in the marts in the coming weeks

Prices ease slightly as calf numbers peak at marts

We are now in peak calf sales, with numbers being recorded in marts, particularly in the south, now at peak. Demand has held quite firm, with plenty of exporters and farmers active.