The number of calves on offer is starting to increase right across the country.

As has been witnessed in the first few sales of the year, prices have started ahead of the main run of prices seen last spring for Friesian bulls. However, prices are expected to ease as numbers increase in February and March.

Light and young Friesian bull calves are selling mainly from €60 to €70/head for two- to three-week-old calves.

Where strong calves are on offer, prices are running close to €97/head for four-week-old calves.

Stronger calves with better conformation are attracting the highest prices.

Angus and Hereford heifer calves are selling mainly from €170/head to €190/head, depending on quality, with some making over this.

Bull calves are selling mainly from €180 to €220/head.