Entries of calves in mart sales are slow to date, as can be expected, with dairy births becoming more concentrated on the period from mid- to late-January to the end of March.

It is hard to get an accurate gauge on prices, with a big mix in the quality and age of calves on offer.

Prices are holding up relatively firm, with a cohort of buyers in the market for a stronger-type calf that will be in a good position to maximise grass intake in 2018.

Strong Angus and Hereford bull calves have been reported as ranging from €200 to €280 per head, with bulls securing a €30 to €40 premium over heifer calves.

There is plenty of variation, with lighter and plainer-quality calves selling back to €130 to €150.

Small numbers of younger Belgian Blue and Limousin calves are following a similar trend, while strong continental-crosses are selling in small numbers to over €300 per head.

There is also a significant price differential in prices being paid for Friesian bulls.

A high percentage of young calves are trading between €80 and €120, with small numbers of light and crossbred calves selling back to €40 to €50.

There are some stronger Friesian calves selling to €150.

Relatively good cow trade

Many mart managers have reported the sales ring as being a good option for slaughter-fit and feeding cows.

They say this is especially the case where individual or small numbers are involved, with a particular benefit for producers with heavy fleshed cows.

Prices are still anywhere from €100 to €200 behind the corresponding period in 2018, but relative to beef prices are described as solid.

Quality R and U grading cows are selling from €1.50/kg to €1.80/kg, while lesser-quality slaughter-fit continental cows are selling back to €1.30/kg.

Slaughter-fit Friesian cows are trading from €1.10/kg to €1.25/kg on average, with poor-quality lots lacking flesh back to 80c/kg to 90c/kg.

The poorest demand is for aged Friesian cows lacking flesh and light-carcase cows that will struggle to realise a significant sale value in the factories.