Calf sale entries have jumped massively in recent days, with sales in the south and east of the country entering peak activity. Pressure on space has intensified on farms and this is resulting in calves being presented at a younger age. This is also contributing to the wide price differential paid.

Prices for light Jersey and crossbred bull calves are starting at €5/head and rising to €20 to €30 for the younger calves on offer, while better-quality and older calves are selling to €45 to €55 on average. These prices are in the minority in sales, with the majority of calves on offer better-quality Friesians.

Prices for Friesian bull calves are being helped by live exporter interest. Light bull calves are selling from €50 to €60, with stronger calves suitable for shipping selling up to €80 to €90 for Dutch-type calves, while stronger calves suitable for the Spanish market are selling up to €100 to €120/head. Farmers are driving the trade for the best-quality Friesian bull calves, with prices ranging from €120 to €150, with British Friesian bull calves in cases selling upwards of €170 to €190.

The wide differential in price is also evident for Angus and Hereford calves. Lighter boned calves from first-calved heifers are selling in general from €120 to €170/head, with better-quality calves selling to €250 and as high as €300 for the best-quality lots.

Continental calves are not appearing in big numbers yet, with the age and strength of calves having a big influence on prices paid. Lighter and younger calves are selling from €200 to €300, with small numbers of the best-quality stronger continental bull calves selling to a top price of €350 to €400/head.

Live exports rising

Exporters have increased purchasing activity in line with an increase in numbers offered. The latest Department of Agriculture records for the week ending 18 February shows 5,633 calves exported. This included 3,075 to the Netherlands, 2,368 to Spain and 190 to Italy. Going on reports from live exporters, this figure is likely to be north of 8,000 head last week.

Read more

Calf numbers increasing in Cashel

Ban on sticks and trading of young calves