Calf exports are running at record levels for March, helping absorb this year’s higher numbers and supporting the trade at marts.

The flush of calves has peaked and numbers are easing back. The past week saw a much steadier calf trade, with prices for Friesian bulls starting to edge up again.

The average price for Friesian bull calves was €80, which was up slightly on the previous week.

Recent weather and boat difficulties for exporters have eased, so export numbers could continue to be strong over the coming weeks.

Numbers peak

Numbers of Friesian calves at marts have peaked and are now easing and this has resulted in firmer prices at recent sales.

Sea swells calmed last week, allowing all four ferry sailings from Ireland to France carry calf trucks.

Previous weeks had been hampered by snow and then high sea conditions. It’s likely that the number of calves exported last week was near or even over the 10,000 head mark for the third week in a row.

If so, that would see exports this year approaching 55,000 head, 10% ahead of last year.

In addition, the regular ferry boat on the Wexford to France route, the Horizon, is now back in service. It sailed from Rosslare on Tuesday evening with 18 cattle trucks on board, most carrying calves. The stand-in arranged by the Department of Agriculture and Stena worked well over the past five weeks.

Peak exports

That period has coincided with peak exports. However, the Horizon has higher capacity for trucks and drivers and this will help exporters in the weeks ahead.

Last year, exports peaked in the first week of March and then tailed off. Export numbers will be watched closely over the next few weeks to see if last year’s total of 100,000 head is passed.

Export numbers may dip next week due to the Easter break.

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