Calf numbers passing through marts continue to fall, but the trade has remained quite solid for some types. Friesian bull calves continue to sell from €90 to €120 for average-quality lots, while plainer and younger bulls are making €70 to €90. Where better-quality bull calves are on offer, the average price paid for these has improved by up to €5/head. Exporters continue to be very active at marts and on farms.
Calf numbers passing through marts continue to fall, but the trade has remained quite solid for some types.
Friesian bull calves continue to sell from €90 to €120 for average-quality lots, while plainer and younger bulls are making €70 to €90. Where better-quality bull calves are on offer, the average price paid for these has improved by up to €5/head. Exporters continue to be very active at marts and on farms.
In contrast, the average price paid for Angus heifers has reduced by about €10/head. Mart managers have commented that, in a lot of cases, the calves on offer have been of slightly poorer quality, which is a contributing factor to this.
Where there is a kiwi Friesian or Jersey background to the calves, demand and prices are on the lower end, with buyers paying particular heed to the names on the mart boards when purchasing calves.
Angus bulls and Hereford bulls and heifers have seen prices remain steady to very slightly improved. The average Angus bull is making from €170 to €200. Hereford heifers are selling from €175 to €210, while bulls are from €200 to €280 depending on quality.
In the case of Hereford bull calves, age and quality are determining sale price, with farmers focusing on better-quality, older calves. Demand for continental calves remains very strong in most areas, with suckler farmers and calf rearers active for all good-quality types. Price are ranging mainly from €160 for plain Limousin heifers to €270 for good-quality aged bulls. Blues are selling mainly from €200 to €350, with age and quality having a major affect on prices.
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