Calf numbers at marts peaking

Early calving combined with farmers tending to sell calves younger has resulted in calf sales reaching peak numbers approximately two weeks earlier than last year.

Nathan Tuffy

22 March 2017

Three 23-day-old Friesian bull calves sold for €100 each at Cashel Mart.

Calf sales have reached peak numbers two weeks earlier than last year.

Despite strong throughput in recent weeks, strong export and farmer demand has placed a firm floor under prices. Friesian bull calf prices have been steady, with shippers active from €80 to €120/head. Continued strong demand for Hereford bulls and heifers has resulted in bulls and heifers selling from €200 to €250/head.

Angus

While Angus calves are now coming out in larger numbers, poorer-quality types and young underfed calves are dragging down the average prices of bulls and heifers to €150 to €200, with strong bulls making about €220/head.

Graph: weekly live exports of calves exceed 10,000 head

Full coverage: live exports

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