Calf sales have gained in intensity two to three weeks earlier than in previous years. Mart managers report that the abolition of milk quotas is having a big impact on the type of calves offered with large-scale farmers in particular trading calves at a much younger age.

This trend is having an impact on average prices with live exporters avoiding very light calves and many farmers preferring stronger calves with age on their side.

With a decrease in competition, prices for light and young Friesian bull calves range in general from €40 to €70 per head.

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There are far more buyers in the mix for stronger calves. Live exporters are purchasing Friesian bull calves for the Dutch market at prices ranging from €60 to €90 per head with stronger Friesian calves for the Spanish market making €120 per head. Their purchasing activity has been interrupted in the last couple of weeks with stormy weather preventing a number of ferry crossings and creating a backlog for some exporters.

Farmer demand is firm with the strongest preference for calves a few weeks of age. Prices for good quality Friesian bull calves range from €130 to €180 per head with the best quality well-conformed calves selling up to €230.

The trade for Angus and Hereford bull and heifer calves is comparable to previous years. The general run of Angus calves are trading from €180 to €300. Hereford calves are selling from €330 to as high as €400.

Demand for continental calves is being driven in many cases by suckler farmers looking to source small numbers. Prices for good quality Blue, Charolais and Limousin crosses range from €340 to €400, with the best quality lots bid to €430 to €450.

Steady calf births

Dairy calf registrations to the week ending 4 March, at 577,384 head, are running 36,149 above the same period in 2015. Beef births, at 131,526 head, are 10,802 lower than 2015 levels.