Calf prices hit another record high this year, as average prices were up by as much as €120/head on last year’s levels.

Analysis of spring calf price data by the Irish Farmers Journal shows that Hereford-cross bulls were the star performers, selling above last year’s prices.

They sold for an average of €496/head, an increase of €120/head on 2025.

Angus-cross bulls were up on average by €105/head to €460/head.

Prices for Friesian bull calves were driven by Dutch buyers and were steady this spring, averaging €283/head, a €74/head increase year-on-year.

Belgian Blue calves accounted for 7% of all calf sales this year, and topped out at around €570/head on average.

Farmers cash in

This week, farmers are continuing to cash in on strong calf prices, with David Quinn of Carnew Mart noting that “stronger bull calves are coming into €750 now and some continentals are looking at €900” per head.

With beef prices dropping in recent weeks, farmers are considering their options and looking at whether to sell calves now or hold until later in the year.

The good calf prices come as exporters continue to battle at the ringside for calves.

“We had eight exporters here on Monday and that’s double what we usually have here in June,” Kevin Casey, Dungarvan Mart manager said.