With the onset of calf season, we have included extra camera at the mart features on P60/61 in the calves Focus.

In terms of the calf trade, the number on offer continues to be low due to the time of year, but farmer buyers are quite active.

In some areas of the country, Friesian bull prices have started very strong. But with numbers small and no real export activity just yet, it is impossible to know how prices will go.

Friesian bull calves are currently selling for about €90 to €100/head for two- to three- week-old types and up to €130/head on average for stronger four-week-old calves.

Light young calves are selling mainly from €80 to €100/head.

In terms of Jersey calves, the availability of these in mart rings is little to none so far. The number of Angus calves passing through the marts are small, but prices are ranging from €170/head for young heifers to €250/head for good-quality bulls.

Angus heifer prices are averaging at about €200/head, while Angus bulls are making just shy of €225/head.

Herefords are only available in small numbers also, but are selling from €240 for young bull calves to €335 for strong calves. The average Hereford bull is making €320, while the average Hereford heifer is making €300/head.

The numbers of continental calves on offer are very small and, as a result, prices are variable. In the main, continental calves are selling from €245/head for two- to three-week-old types, up to €385/head for top-quality four-week-old Limousin and Blue calves.

Strong start to calf trade but numbers will be the test

The number on offer continues to be low due to the time of year, but farmer-buyers are quite active.