The downward trend in suckler-bred calf birth registrations is affecting special calf sales this autumn, as mart managers report a marked decline in sale numbers compared with previous years.

Data from the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) shows that suckler-bred calf registrations during 2019 are down 3,832 head on last year, and by 17,000 head on 2017 levels.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, several mart managers state that weekly sale numbers are down by 100 to 150 head on last year. As a result of lower throughput, marts are holding fewer special sales this autumn.

Price

While show calves and prize-winning animals continue to make headline prices in excess of £1,000, the general consensus is that the overall trade is down on previous years.

Calves weighing 270kg to 300kg are being met with most demand with prices generally ranging from 240p/kg to 270p/kg for top-quality continental types.

However, plainer animals are a slower trade, with prices more typically 200p/kg to 220p/kg. In general, good-quality heavy calves are back by £30 to £50 on last year, but average-quality weanlings are down £70 to £80.

Trends

As well as lower numbers of suckled calves, mart managers indicate there is a growing trend for farmers to hold weanlings through the winter and offload at heavier weights to increase sale prices.

With an abundance of silage on farm, and farmers reducing cow numbers, there is housing space to overwinter younger animals.

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