Demand for dairy-bred calves has remained very strong so far this year, backed by improved exporter demand and strong farmer demand.
The past few years has seen more and more dairy farmers opt to sell calves as herd numbers rise as a means to reduce labour. Despite this and an overall larger herd, the average price of the Friesian bull calf this year remains higher than last year.
Compared with last week, the average Friesian bull sold for €100 to €120/head. Lighter plainer calves continue to sell from €60 to €80/head, but stronger calves are still reported to be making upwards of €150/head.
The average price paid for Angus and Hereford bull and heifers has reduced again slightly, but Angus bull prices have dropped by up to €20/head in the past week and are now selling from €170 to €180/head, with heifers making from €140 to €170/head.
Herefords continue to outperform Angus in terms of price and are making from €190 to €200/head for average-quality type heifers and up to €250/head for bulls. Hereford calf prices are back by about €3 to €5/head on last week.
Demand for continental-bred calves remains very strong, with plenty of buyers active for all quality types.
Where plain Limousin calves are on offer, prices of €220 to €260/head is common, with some better-quality types seeing prices rise by over €50 in the past week.
Where Belgian Blue calves are on offer, prices are said to be fairly stagnant and are selling mainly from €280 to €320/head depending on quality.
In some cases, strong continental suck calves are continuing to make over €400/head.
Read more
Firm mart trade continues to be driven by grass buyer demand
Cattle prices: feeders and store buyers show main demand at Tullamore mart
Cattle prices: steady trade for quality weanlings at Cootehill mart
Beef cows and weanlings in demand at Ballymena mart
A guide to special and upcoming sales in the marts in the coming weeks.
Demand for dairy-bred calves has remained very strong so far this year, backed by improved exporter demand and strong farmer demand.
The past few years has seen more and more dairy farmers opt to sell calves as herd numbers rise as a means to reduce labour. Despite this and an overall larger herd, the average price of the Friesian bull calf this year remains higher than last year.
Compared with last week, the average Friesian bull sold for €100 to €120/head. Lighter plainer calves continue to sell from €60 to €80/head, but stronger calves are still reported to be making upwards of €150/head.
The average price paid for Angus and Hereford bull and heifers has reduced again slightly, but Angus bull prices have dropped by up to €20/head in the past week and are now selling from €170 to €180/head, with heifers making from €140 to €170/head.
Herefords continue to outperform Angus in terms of price and are making from €190 to €200/head for average-quality type heifers and up to €250/head for bulls. Hereford calf prices are back by about €3 to €5/head on last week.
Demand for continental-bred calves remains very strong, with plenty of buyers active for all quality types.
Where plain Limousin calves are on offer, prices of €220 to €260/head is common, with some better-quality types seeing prices rise by over €50 in the past week.
Where Belgian Blue calves are on offer, prices are said to be fairly stagnant and are selling mainly from €280 to €320/head depending on quality.
In some cases, strong continental suck calves are continuing to make over €400/head.
Read more
Firm mart trade continues to be driven by grass buyer demand
Cattle prices: feeders and store buyers show main demand at Tullamore mart
Cattle prices: steady trade for quality weanlings at Cootehill mart
Beef cows and weanlings in demand at Ballymena mart
A guide to special and upcoming sales in the marts in the coming weeks.
SHARING OPTIONS