There has been another jump in calf numbers. In the south, mart managers say numbers are almost at peak and will hold strong for some weeks.

Nonetheless, MartWatch shows that Friesian calf prices are firm. Depending on the mart, demand splits 50:50 to 70:30 between export buyers and farmers. The hole left by Cork Marts’ exit from the export business has been plugged by other exporters, including new ones.

Exporters are buying at €70/head up to €130/head, targeting two- to three-week-old healthy and strong calves for the Dutch and Spanish markets. Farmer demand is for both light young calves under €70/head and for those at €140/head to €180/head.

The average Friesian calf is making slightly over €100/head. However, light Kiwi and Jersey bull calves are meeting little demand.

Over 6,646 calves were exported in week seven, two thirds to the Netherlands, almost one third to Spain and a few loads elsewhere.