Calf numbers are rising right around the country, with mart managers commenting on quite a firm trade thus far.

Farmers and exporters are the main players, with exports still low overall. Farmer buyers are active for all good-quality early-born calves and are paying similar prices to the same period last year.

Farmers buying Friesian bull calves are focusing on stronger three- to four-week-old calves that are well fed and showing no signs of coughs or scours. Prices of these better-quality calves are ranging from €120 to €150/head, but the number on offer is small.

The majority of Friesian bulls on offer are two-week-olds and are selling from €80 to €110/head. Angus calf numbers are small so far, selling from €200 to €220 for heifers and from €250 to €280 for bulls. Herefords are selling slightly stronger at €230 to €330/head.