Calf prices got a lift across the board this past week and anecdotal evidence from mart managers about those increases was backed up in the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) calf price database.
Bull calves benefited more than heifers, with Angus-crosses aged between three and six weeks making €24/head more than last week, as they averaged €426/head.
The same age Hereford-cross bulls changed hands for an average of €461/head, a lift of €28/head on last week. Prices for both categories are running €37/head and €60/head over the same time last spring.
Heifer calf prices were up too, albeit at a lower rate. Angus-cross heifers were up €15/head and Hereford-crosses increased by €9/head for average prices of €287/head and €319/head respectively.
These prices are similar to last spring and well ahead of the same time in 2024 when Angus-cross heifers traded for €96/head and Hereford-crosses were selling for €109/head. Friesian bulls are trading for an average of €296 at present but now only account for 10% of supply.
“Trade was much improved especially on the lighter heifers with them up €100/head in spots, they were a tougher sell last week,” said Tipperary Town mart manager Mark Donovan.
Along with strong demand from shippers he reported that a number of farmers are returning to rear a second batch of calves this spring.
He also said that numbers were up compared to other years and he attributed this to good weather during the 2025 breeding season, however he expects the calf supply to tail off fast.
Gortatlea Mart manager, Maurice Brosnan echoed similar sentiments.
“Our sales are up about 30% this year, 830 last year 1,130 this week. Shippers are very active giving €450 to €550 for good Angus bull calves and €350 to €450 for Friesians. It’s hard to expect people to rear them when they’re making that.”
He also noted that there are more reared calves coming out a bit earlier, especially from herds that were locked up with TB.
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