A reduction in demand from the Spanish market and the loss of Poland as an outlet due to bluetongue are contributing factors in the number of calves sold outside of the State continuing to lag behind last year’s record highs.

Information from Bord Bia shows that after 15 weeks trading, the number of calves remains 17% behind the record levels set last year.

To date, 95,504 head have left the country and while this is a similar figure compared to 2024, it is significantly behind the 114,615 head of one a year ago.

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Shippers have increased their purchasing activity since early March and are putting a floor under the calf trade at present, according to mart managers. Dutch buyers have purchased 43,326 head, putting them at a similar level to last year.

The Italian market has proven to be a positive too. Italy accounted for 11,632 calves this spring, an increase of 18% on last year.

However, the Spanish market has proven tougher so far resulting in numbers going there being 22% behind the same time last year. Market conditions in Spain for those with finished cattle is challenging at present and a number of purchasers there have been slower to restock as a result, according to Bord Bia reports.

Prices

Angus-cross heifer calves saw their prices drop under 2025 levels over the last week, according to the ICBF calf price database. They traded for an average of €272/head this week compared to €288/head for the same time last year.

Hereford-cross heifers fell by €16/head for an average of €310/head, but remain ahead of 2025s price. In comparison, Angus- and Hereford-cross bulls traded for €402/head and €433/head.

Friesian bull calf prices went up by €10/head for the second week in a row. They sold for an average of €276/head last week.