Numbers on offer have dropped by about 10% once again in the past week.

In terms of Friesian bull prices, they have eased by about €10/head and are now running at similar levels to a few weeks ago.

Shippers continue to be active and are sourcing calves from €80 to €110, with farmers opting to buy stronger bull calves from€100 to €130/head.

Listen to a discussion of the demand for calves in our podcast below:

Listen to "What is driving demand for calves?" on Spreaker.

The average light calf is making from €70 to €100, with three- to four-week-old calves selling from €110 to €130/head on average.

The number of Angus and Hereford calves on offer remains steady and prices have held also.

The average Angus heifer calf is selling from €150 to €160/head, with bull calves making from €170 to €180, while Herford bulls are selling from €210 to €250/head.

Quality calved cows in demand

Earlier in the spring, many farmers struggled to sell in-calf heifers, with many lots withdrawn at prices of €1,400 to €1,600. However, in recent weeks there has been better demand for good-quality calved cows.

Young calved continental heifers with stars are selling from €1,700 to €2,300 in many areas of the country. However, where older cows with calves are on offer, prices are not quite as strong, with lots selling from €1,100 to €1,500.

The general trend this year has been that farmers are more willing to source calved cows to avoid issues around calving.

Good-quality four- and five-star breeding heifers continue to be met with strong demand. Prices of good-quality breeding types over 450kg range from €1,150 to €1,350.