From 19 March to 25 March, 11,000 calves were exported from Ireland. This is the third week in a row that the number exported has been over 10,000, leaving the total number exported so far close to approximately 70,000.

Numbers are running close to 10% ahead of the same time last year. The main export markets calves went to were Spain and the Netherlands, taking 4,057 and 3,938 head respectively. 2,100 calves went to Belgium. The remainder went to Italy, France and Northern Ireland.

Bull calves are selling mainly from €70/head to €90/head, with the majority selling for less than €85/head.

Exporter demand remains strong and this is placing a firm floor under prices. It is now fairly evident that the surge in numbers has started to ease once more, which has lead to a little more competition at the ringside.

Farmer demand

Farmer demand is lagging well behind last year. Weather is said to be having an impact, as low grass supplies combined with later turnout has led to slower farmer buying so far.

The main farmer demand is for better-quality Friesians, which are making from €100/head to €120/head.

Demand for Angus and Herefords is primarily for better-quality calves, with plainer quality Angus making a little over Friesian calf prices. Angus and Hereford calf numbers are holding firm.

The average Angus heifer is making €140/head to €160/head, while bulls are making €40/head to €60/head more. Hereford heifers sold for €170 to €200 on average, while bulls are selling mainly from €220/head to €250/head and well over €300/head for better-quality types.

Continentals

The number of continental calves on offer is low, but the trade for these is very strong, with strong bull and heifers calves still selling easily from €300/head to €400/head for Limousins to €350/head to €450/head for good-quality Charolais.

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Friesian calf prices on the rise

Friesian bull prices up slightly

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