The last week has seen a much steadier calf trade, with prices of Friesian bulls starting to edge up again slightly.

Mart managers have said that calf numbers have started to fall in the past two weeks and that is having a positive effect on prices.

Last week, the average Friesian bull calf made €80, up slightly on the previous week, with mart managers saying prices have edged up by a few euros in the past few days.

Exporter demand continues to be the main source of interest, with farmer buyers sourcing the upper end of quality in Friesians. Angus and Hereford calf numbers are holding firm, but average prices have slipped. The average Angus heifer is making €145/head, while bulls are making €40/head more. Hereford heifers sold for €170/head on average, while bulls averaged €226/head, down €25/head.