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The number of calves presented at marts and selling off the land will jump this week. There is pent-up supply after some mart sales due to be held last week in the south and east were cancelled because of the severe weather.
Regular calf sales resumed on Monday but were not especially large as farmers were still dealing with snow around yards and on local roads.
Also, return of BVD samples to some farmers was held up by the severe weather and that too resulted in calves being held back.
Most of these problems are over now and supply of calves will therefore probably peak next week.
Prices are generally holding well, with exporters keeping a good floor under the trade. Farmers are benefiting from stronger competition between exporters at many mart sales compared to three and four years ago.
The exit of Cork Marts from the business, ahead of 2017, tempted a number of new companies to begin exporting last year and their impact is now being felt ringside.
This week, shipper-type calves are selling mainly from €60 to €90, with some exporters paying over €100 for better-quality types.
Average Friesian bull prices have eased slightly, but are still holding very strong. Better-quality Friesian bulls are selling from €110 to €140 with strong, square Friesian bulls over three weeks old making over €160/head.
The number of Angus and Hereford calves on offer is still low, but demand for all better-quality types is very strong.
Prices of €180 to €250 are common for Angus calves with the best quality types making over €300. Herefords are selling mainly from €220 to €280 and to over €350 at the top of the market. The number of continental calves on offer is low and prices are generally ranging from €280 to €450.
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