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Although farmer demand has been fairly steady at most marts, with little exporter activity so far, the average price paid has started to slip.
One evident trend has been a sharp increase in the number of light and young calves on offer as dairy farmers start to offload at younger ages. Friesian bull calves under two weeks of age are selling from €70 to €100/head, with light and very young types making from €50 to €70, slightly less than last week.
Stronger Friesian bull calves are making slightly better prices of €100 to €110/head, with strong weaned Friesians making from €200 to €280 in some areas.
The number of Jersey-cross bull calves on offer are very small, but where available they are selling from €5 to €50 with prices ranging mainly from €25 to €40/head. Angus and Hereford prices have started to ease slightly also as more come on stream.
Angus bulls are making about €240 to €260, with heifers making from €190 to €250. Hereford bulls are selling mainly from €250 to €310, with heifers from €250 to €270. Like Friesian bull calves, where stronger calves are on offer, higher prices are available.
The number of continental calves remains low and prices are firm. Simmentals are making from €260 to €330, with Limousin and Belgian Blues selling from €300 to €450 and occasionally up to €550 for strong weaned calves.
Steady calf trade but numbers rising at Kilkenny mart
Farmers drive the cattle trade at Mohill mart
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