Figures for the past seven days from the ICBF calf price data shows a correction in the market after last week’s average increase of €13/head. This week, early-maturing beef types are back €12/head for bulls and €20/head for females compared with the previous week.

Ever-increasing numbers are starting to play a role with an 18% increase in throughput of these calf types this week. This sees Angus and Hereford heifers average €169/head and €203/head respectively.

Continental calf numbers traded through marts remains quite small. However, there is slight downward pressure on prices for these types this week as well back, €7/head.

Belgian Blue bulls are the only category to see a price lift this week to an average of €329, albeit based on small numbers traded. The overall Friesian bull calf price remains unchanged on last week at an average price of €59/head. However, with bad weather becoming an issue for exporters again in the past few days, prices for the export type calf have come under pressure since the start of the week.