The steady rise in numbers of beef-sired calves continues, with prices starting to ease slightly this week.

However, having strengthened slightly last week, early-maturing type beef calves are just back to where they were a fortnight ago.

This sees Angus bulls and heifers average €207/head and €176/head – down €9 and €11 on the week respectively.

Hereford bulls and heifers averaged €226/head and €194/head, back €17 and €6 on the previous seven days.

The number of Friesian bull calves in the market place is beginning to dip, back by almost 30% on the week.

Strong demand

However, demand remains strong. Export types are trading from €50/head to €80/head, while farmers remain active for older and stronger type Friesian calves.

It sees the average price back just €3 to an average of €65/head this week.

While it is based on small numbers, Limousin bull calves are the only big mover this week, back €26 compared with the previous seven days to an average price of €242/head.

Belgian Blue bulls eased by €12 to an average of €303/head.