Calf prices remain firm as numbers steady at marts

Numbers have steadied again, with almost 1,200 sales being recorded by the ICBF database in the past week. Mart managers have said that the trade has been very strong once again. Usually at this stage of the year, exporter activity would be starting to wean. However, so far, they are remaining very active.

The average Friesian bull calf is making from €100 to €120/head, with the majority of those on offer being stronger three- to four-week-old types. Where young light calves are on offer, they are selling mainly from €70 to €90/head. The trade for Angus calves remains firm. Heifers are selling mainly from €140 to €160, with bulls selling from €160 to €200 for better-quality types. Herefords are selling mainly from €180 for heifers to €220 for bulls.

Quality cow and calf lots in demand

The trade for cows with calves at foot remains very strong.

Mart managers are reporting that the trade has improved again in recent weeks, with plenty of farmers actively sourcing good-quality young cows with calves at foot. Prices of these are ranging mainly from €1,700 to €2,100 where calves are one to two months of age.

In some areas, dealers are snapping up old cows with calves at foot, with the intention of passing the calves back through calf sales to monopolise on the strong calf trade and improving cull cow trade.

Old and poor-quality cows with calves at foot sold from €1,100 to €1,500, depending on the age and weight of the cow.

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