Calf exports, mart sales and calf slaughterings are all back for 2020, according to new data from the Department of Agriculture.

From January to 21 July, farm-to-farm sales for calves up to six weeks of age increased by 15% compared to the same period last year. This corresponds to a collapse in calf sales through marts at the end of March and in early April when marts were closed due to coronavirus restrictions.

Calf sales in marts peaked at over 9,000 head per day in March, but declined to less than 1,000 head per day in early April, a reduction of over 3,500 head per day compared to 2019.

The big increase in farm-to-farm and mart sales of calves older than six weeks of age in June and July. This was facilitated by the lifting of coronavirus restrictions and the waiving of the 42-day age limit for TB testing.

The live export of calves is back by over 20,000 compared to 2020 and calf slaughterings are back by over 4,000 head.