This is a subscriber-only article
The calf price summary table for last week from ICBF shows that the average Friesian calf is selling for €111/head, similar to the previous week.
Young two-week-old bulls are selling for just under €100. However, stronger four-week-old types are making from €110 to €120/head. Angus bull and heifer calves are making €250/head on average and up to €280/head for stronger types. This is a marked increase of about €25 to €50/head on the previous week. However, numbers on offer are still very low.
Hereford calves are currently averaging from €300/head for heifers to €330/head for bulls. There is a premium of about €40/head being paid for better made and stronger types.
The number of continental calves on offer remains low, but where they are coming to the fore, demand and prices are very strong. Limousin and Belgian Blue calves are currently making from €290/head to €330/head on average, with better-quality types selling from €400 to €450.
A number of marts are reporting a very strong trade for strong runner calves from two to three months of age. Where continental types are on offer, prices are ranging mainly from €400 to €500/head, with very few being sold for less than €450. Where strong-reared Friesian runners are on offer, prices over €200 to €280/head are commonplace. The number of Jersey calves passing through marts remains very low and no real indication of price is available. Farmers buying Angus and Hereford calves are being very vigilant as to avoid buying calves with Jersey or Kiwi Friesian influence.
Slightly improved trade for weanlings
Farmers active for all types of cattle and cows at Carrigallen
Steady trade for store cattle but improved demand for short-keep types
SHARING OPTIONS: