As calf numbers continue to rise in marts, the average price paid for a Friesian bull is running at €48/head, which is similar to last week.

However, if we look at two-week-old Friesian bull prices, they are running at just €35/head, with some mart managers commenting that sales are seeing a good proportion of lesser-quality calves selling for €15 to €30/head.

Three-week-old calves are selling for €47/head on average, while one-month-old calves are selling for €56/head on average.

The average Angus bull sold for €156/head in the last week, with Herefords making €195/head

Stronger and older Friesians are still selling from €80 to €100 in some areas.

As the number of Angus calves on offer increases, prices are dropping slowly. So too are the prices paid for Hereford bulls and heifers.

The average Angus bull sold for €156/head in the last week, with Herefords making €195/head. Angus heifers sold for €113/head on average last week, with Hereford heifers making €143/head.