Looking at the ICBF calf price data for the past seven days, it is clear to see numbers beginning to build, but, despite this, prices are holding quite firm.

Friesian bull calves were out in much bigger numbers this week, with little effect on the overall price, back €2/head on the previous seven days.

Early-maturing beef breeds saw a decent increase in numbers as well, with the result that Angus heifers took a hit of €24/head on the week, while Angus bulls were back €12/head on average. The story was similar for Hereford heifers, back €19/head on the week. However, Hereford bulls bucked the trend, up slightly on the previous seven days.

Across all breeds, the four-week-old calf price has been most steady and even strengthened in some cases compared with last week. This reflects the farmer demand there is for these stronger calves in the market currently.

Comparing prices to this week last year, beef-sired calves are €50 to €60 ahead this year, while Friesian bulls are up €4/head on average.