The sharp rise in live calf exports continues, with the latest Bord Bia analysis showing 9,431 calves exported for the week ending 15 March 2015.

This includes exports of 5,871 calves to Netherlands, 2,617 head to Spain, 695 to France and 268 to Italy. Exports of calves to Belgium remain restricted due to new IBR regulations, with only 179 calves exported for the year to date. This compares with 2,786 for the corresponding week in 2014.

After a slow start to the year, calf exports have improved in intensity and, at 29,004, now stand just 3,333 head or 10.3% behind 2014 levels.

Mart managers report a sharp increase in calf throughput in dairy strongholds since the beginning of March, with farmers who have expanded their enterprises not set up to handle higher numbers of calves, despite the threat of the superlevy.

In less intensive areas, a trend has been reported in the last two to three weeks of farmers retaining older calves to drink surplus milk and moving newborn calves at a young age.

This has seen more calves traded at prices of €60 to €90 for the Dutch market and €90 to €120 for the Spanish market. Farmers remain exceptionally strong buyers for Angus, Hereford and continental-bred calves.

Drier conditions have generated more demand and activity from farmers buying for summer grazing systems. This has added increased competition to the weanling and store trade, with mart managers also concerned about the rate at which numbers are lifting.

Store prices have increased by an average of 5c to 8c/kg in the last week, with 400kg to 500kg store bullocks trading from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg for the average R grade bullock. This represents an increase of 30c/kg, or €135 per head on a 450kg bullock.

There are reports of 400kg to 500kg heifers trading from €2.35/kg to €2.60/kg for R grades, an increase of 33c/kg or just under €150 on a 450kg R grade heifer.