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Early calf sales in the south have started very strong, with reports of AAX and HEX heifer calves making €350/head at some marts and farmer buyers in abundance.
Last year saw high calf prices drive exporters out of the market with the resultant drop in calf exports and higher cattle numbers at the end of 2016.
While prices in early January are always high, it is impossible to say where the price of calves will average this year.
Before you commit, it is vital that you complete a budget. While a calf-to-beef system is relatively cheap to get into, most systems require about €750 to €900 in working capital/head from purchase to slaughter, so budget carefully.
Sit down and work out how much you can afford to pay for a calf and if they are too expensive, hold off buying.
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