Another positive week for calf prices, with beef-sired calves up €9/head on average.

The main driver behind this is the reduction in the number of calves traded this week, which is down almost 40% on the previous seven days, according to the ICBF calf price watch database, as we reach the tail end of the season.

Angus heifers averaged €171, up €11/head, while bulls settled at €220, back just €1/head on the previous week.

Both Hereford bulls and heifers were up on average €9/head this week to an average price of €220 and €178 respectively.

Friesian bull calf numbers are becoming very thin on the ground and after a €25/head lift last week, prices have held firm this week, back just €1/head to an average price of €103.

Continental calves

Likewise, continental calf numbers are extremely tight, with Limousin bulls and heifers both up €22/head to an average price of €248 and €220 respectively.

Belgian Blue heifers are back over the €300 mark this week, up €15/head to €307, while bull calves settled at €271.