Over 1,000 calves were traded in MartBids marts over the last week, with Kilkenny Mart, Ennis Mart in Co Clare and Carnew Mart in Co Wicklow putting through large numbers.

Giving a breakdown on numbers, over two-thirds of those calves were male. By breed, 40% of those male calves were Friesian and Friesian-cross, while Angus accounted for another 31% of the male calves and Herefords a further 15%.

Prices

Table 1 shows the average prices for male calves, as well as the average of the top-third of prices and the bottom-third of prices, to show the typical range, depending on quality.

Table 2 takes on a similar format, but for heifer calves.

According to the MartBids data, looking at the trends in prices, Frieisan and Friesian-cross calves moved up €5/head last week. Average prices paid for Angus-cross and Hereford-cross calves moved up €15/head and €10/head, respectively.

Continental bull calves also had a strong week, with average prices paid up €15/head to €30/head.

Heifer calves were on the rise too. Friesian calves were up €5/head to €10/head. Angus-cross heifers were up €30/head, while Hereford-cross heifer calves were stagnant for the week.