Friesian bull calves achieved their highest ever weekly price over the last week as they traded for an average of €324/head. According to data from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) their highest price last spring was €308/head. The price paid last week is significantly above the €87/head price paid in the last week of May 2024.

Prices for Angus-cross bull calves were up €22/head this week to €465/head, while Hereford-cross bull calves pushed on €28/head to €465/head. This means that Hereford-cross bull calf prices have remained ahead of last year’s for the duration of the spring.

Heifers of both traditional beef breeds have seen their prices recover in recent weeks but they’re still below what was paid a year ago. Angus-cross heifers made €341/head last week, with Hereford-crosses trading for €368/head.

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At the ringside, shippers continue to be extremely active especially when it comes to bull calves. Reared calves have been appearing in bigger numbers of late and while there is good appetite for them, those weighing under 90kg appear to be doing better than heavier calves at present. Bandon Mart had 1,006 calves on offer on Monday last, and auctioneer Denis O’Donoghue said: “You have lot of those 60kg to 80kg bull calves and they’re making €7/kg to €8/kg generally with some making up to €8.50/kg. The heavier, close to 100kg, Angus and Herefords were making €7/kg to €7.50/kg with a touch more for the continentals.”