The number of calves passing through marts remained low in the past week, but prices continue to be firm. In the main, Friesian bull calves are still making from €70 to €100/head, with age and quality two of the main factors affecting price.

Young calves are receiving the weakest prices, while stronger three- to four-week-old better-quality calves are fetching up on €100/head. Farmer buyers and dealers are the main buyers.

Angus and Hereford calves are the next most abundant and prices are firm also, with Angus bulls making from €190 for lesser-quality calves and up to €260/head for better-quality three- to four-week-old types.

Hereford bulls are making from €250/head for lighter types to €350/head for top-quality bulls. Heifers are selling mainly from €230 to €270/head. Continental-bred calves continue to be scarce and prices are variable as a result.

Factory agents active for cows

The cull cow trade has seen another week of fairly firm demand. Factory agents continue to be active for all fleshed types, with prices of fleshed continental cows running from €1.70/kg to €1.85/kg and occasionally up to €1.95/kg for good-quality cow heifers.

Fleshed Friesian cows continue to be a reasonably steady trade at marts also, with prices ranging mainly from €1.30/kg to €1.45/kg, with quality a major driver of price.

The supply of continental and dairy feeding cows on offer continues to be strong, with many farmers opting to sell live after scanning.

Where Friesians are coming to the fore straight from the parlour, prices are ranging from €0.85/kg to €1.05/kg, with most selling at or close to their weight. Buyer demand has been said to be firm.

Where continentals are on offer, prices of €1.30/kg to €1.60/kg are common, with plainer and lighter types making from €1.10/kg to €1.30/kg. Again, age and quality are the main factors affecting price.

In-calf heifers are ranging from €1,300 to €1,600/head mainly, with top-quality outfits making up to €1,800/head. Cows with calves at foot are making from €1,200 to €1,600, depending on quality and age.

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