Calf exports are continuing in strong numbers but exporters still face some disruption due to difficult weather at sea.

Only two of the four sailings from Ireland to France that can carry calf trucks did so last week.

The maximum number of 22 cattle trucks sailed from Rosslare on Tuesday and Saturday evenings.

Most were calf trucks and they carried a combined total of well over 10,000 calves on the two sailings. It is understood that three or four trucks were bringing yearling cattle to Spain.

Calves did not travel from Rosslare on Thursday, because of the sea swell exceeding 4m. The Saturday sailing from Dublin to France operated by Irish Ferries did not take any calf trucks either.

Wicklow Calf Company exported some 3,400 calves in 10 articulated trucks last week, including its backlog from the week before. This week, the company expects to export almost 2,000 calves.

Department of Agriculture figures show that in the week ending 11 March 2018, 11,381 calves were exported. This was the highest weekly level for at least 23 years.

Several exporters report numbers of Friesian calves available on the market peaking last week, a view echoed by mart managers. This is about two weeks earlier than last year.

The average price paid for a Friesian bull, according to ICBF figures, last week was €77/head, back €5/head on the previous week and €16/head on 2017 levels.

Reduced farmer demand for Friesian bulls has resulted in exporters underpinning the market.

They are paying €60 to €80/head for most export calves and up to €100/head for top-quality types.

Price variation

The proportion of Angus and Hereford calves on offer is increasing and running well above the same time last year. The variation in prices paid for these is vast and depends on quality, ranging from €60 up to over €250. Farmer activity for plain and light Angus calves is very low.

Farmers and exporters are avoiding any Jersey-cross calves.

Meanwhile, the latest delivery of cattle to Turkey included 1,673 bulls for direct slaughter. The company involved, Viastar Ltd, continues to source bulls and is expected to have the next consignment ready in early-to-mid April.