There has been increased pressure on calf prices in the past week, with much larger numbers on offer. Shippers are active, despite some recent disruption to shipping.

There is very much a three-tier calf market. At the upper end of quality and age, farmers are the main source of demand, with strong four-week-old calves and stronger types selling from €90 to €130/head.

Shippers are very active at marts and are sourcing calves from €40 to €70/head that are healthy and of good quality.

At the bottom of the market, there are still large numbers of low-value Friesian calves being sold at marts.

Prices of poor-quality Friesians and those that could have some Jersey influence are ranging from €10 to €40/head. Where Jersey bull calves are on offer, there is demand, with some people taking the punt on them at around €5 to €10/head.