The calf trade continues to strengthen as the big flush of calves has passed.

Exporters are actively looking for stock as they are no longer encountering problems with ferries and seem to be dealing with the lairage issues at Cherbourg.

Prices for export-type dairy calves were up by another €10 to €30/head at the big mart sales this week.

Bandon reported most Friesian calves selling in the range of €60 to €160 each, with Hereford and Angus selling from €120 and up to €350 for the strongest types. Some smaller Friesians sold at €45 and €50.

Likewise, Carnew reported active exporters, with smaller Friesians making €60 to €70 and stronger types €80 to €120.

Preliminary figures suggest calf exports eased back last week to just under 10,000 head. If so, that would be a drop of almost 3,000 head on the week before and would be lower than the same week last year. Meanwhile, demand in export veal markets remains good, in the Netherlands in particular. Overall, calf exports are running well ahead of last year and that looks set to continue.