This week’s ICBF calf price database shows the average price for Friesian bull calves settle at €68/head. Export types were met with strong demand once again with live exporters extremely active, having enjoyed a second week of uninterrupted sailings.

This saw these types of calves trading from €40/head up to €90/head for the most part.

Mart managers continue to report strong farmer buyer demand for older and stronger Friesian bulls, with prices ranging from €90/head up to €180/head in some cases.

With increasing numbers of beef-sired calves being offered for sale, there has been more exporter activity for Angus-type calves in recent days. They are, however, working to a price, typically operating at between €150/head and €200/head. This has had a positive effect on the lower end of the market, especially for the two- to three-week-old Angus calf which was up €12/head on the week.

ICBF data shows the overall Angus calf price up by €5/head on the week to an average of €201/head.

Meanwhile, prices for Hereford calves are relatively unchanged on the previous week at an average price of €222/head.