Last week saw much larger numbers of calves on offer in marts right across the country.

Export demand remains strong, with the majority of calves being bought for the Dutch market.

Friesian bulls are coming out in large numbers now and prices are a little easier.

The majority of those on offer are three-week-olds, with 1,674 sales of Friesians recorded by the ICBF last week.

There are a good number of sales where lesser-quality Friesian bulls are selling from €30 to €40/head

The average price for bulls is €44/head. Where stronger Friesian bulls are on offer, prices of up to €70/head are being achieved.

Likewise, there are a good number of sales where lesser-quality Friesian bulls are selling from €30 to €40/head.

In some sales there are still some strong half-weaned Friesian bulls selling for over €100/head. Angus bulls are selling for €160/head on average with heifers making €120 to €140.