The seasonal fall off and its impact on supply and demand are evident in the calf trade this week. According to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) calf price database, there appears to have been an improvement in heifer prices over the last week. This echos comments from mart managers and auctioneers, who noted there was a slight lift in prices for heifer calves after a number of weeks where demand from shippers had driven on bull calf price.

Traditional beef breeds continue to make up four out of every five calves on offer in marts across the country, and with overall calf numbers tapering off, returns have increased slightly for Angus-crosses and Hereford-cross heifers.

Angus-crosses made up 55% of what was on offer, and bulls averaged €450/head over the last seven days, up €4/head. For heifer calves of the same breed, price increased by €6/head to €316/head.

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Making up 26% of all calves, Hereford-crosses had more mixed fortunes, with heifer calf prices rising by €9/head to €353/head and bulls slipping €16/head for an average price of €469/head.

Casting an eye back to last year, prices for bull calves of both breeds are just keeping a head in front of 2025 levels. The same can’t be said of heifers. They dipped below last May’s prices a few weeks back and while they’re recovering, prices for them have stayed under or at best on par with those of last spring over the last month.

Friesian bull calf supply continues its annual decline, and for the past week,they made up 7% of all calves traded. That dip in numbers hasn’t done their prices any harm, as they went up €10/head to €295/head. It also marks the first time they have fallen below 2025 levels. In the corresponding week last year, they traded for €308/head.

Limousin- and Belgian Blue crosses both accounted for 4% of the overall supply, with Limousin-crosses marginally ahead in terms of numbers but behind in price. Limousin-cross bulls traded for €522/head, back €10/head on the previous week, while heifers were up €20/head to €399/head. Belgian Blues performed better with bulls up €22/head to €583/head and heifers increasing by €15/head to €525.