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The backlog in calf sales created by Storm Emma’s heavy snowfall have come on to the market in recent days.
There has also been a 22,796 head increase in dairy birth registrations (684,288 by week ending 9 March) and these two factors have led to some marts handling record throughput. Farm-to-farm sales are also flying, with dairy farmers keen to take pressure off housing and move dairy bull calves and beef-bred bull and heifer calves.
Live exporters have also responded to greater numbers and are exhausting all resources to maximise the number of calves handled. Their efforts are being underpinned by strong demand in continental markets.
Bord Bia livestock sector manager Joe Burke says that demand in the main calf destinations of the Netherlands and Spain is strong, while recovery in demand from the Belgian market is adding another good market outlet.
Joe said: “The Dutch veal price continues to perform well at €5.05/kg carcase weight for white veal and this is giving finishers increased confidence. Producers are also benefitting from low milk powder prices.”
Live exports
The latest figures from the Department of Agriculture show 6,744 calves exported live in the week ending 4 March. This includes 3,233 to the Netherlands, 2,572 to Spain, 874 to Belgium and 65 to Northern Ireland. The level of exports is strong considering snowfall restricted movement of calves, with last week’s exports likely to be significantly north of 10,000 head.
Easing in prices
The surge in calf sales has led to some downward pressure on prices in select areas, with average prices easing by €10 in cases. However, many mart managers report that the trade is holding firm for good-quality strong calves that are a few weeks of age and are well on their way. There are lots of farmer and live export buyers for these types, with younger poor-quality crossbred calves and light beef-bred calves becoming a more difficult sell.
Good-quality Friesian bull calves suitable for exporting are trading in general from €60 to €100, with prices also recorded €10 either side of this price range. Good-quality Friesian bull calves are trading from €100 to €150, with the best-quality calves selling to €180 to €200 for well-conformed calves.
Light Friesian bull calves are selling from €30 to €50, with very light crossbred and Jersey bull calves selling from €1 to €20. Many of these calves are being purchased for slaughter.
There is also big variation in prices paid for Angus and Hereford calves, with a massive gap in quality present. Light calves are selling from €100 to €150, while a small percentage of very light calves from crossbred cows are selling upwards of €60. Better-quality calves are selling up to €200, with the strongest lots to €230 to €250.
The same differential is present for continental calves, with Limousin and Belgian Blue calves generally commanding a premium over Angus and Hereford calves. Good-quality continental bull calves are selling from €280 to €350 on average, with heifers typically €20 to €40 behind their male counterparts. The best-quality calves are selling to €400 and slightly higher.
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