The number of calves on offer in marts in recent weeks has been low, but where they are on offer, there seems to be plenty of farmer demand for them.

It is not until late January that calf numbers really start to take off at marts, so ahead of the seasonal increase, we have analysed the trade in recent weeks to give farmers a sense of where prices are at.

Analysis of MartWatch data and ICBF data shows that only small numbers of calves have been on offer, with the most of these being Angus and Friesians.

Friesian bull calves are selling mainly from €40 to €60/head, with the majority of those offered for sale being stronger three- to four-week-old calves. All in all, these prices are more or less in line with where calf prices were resting last spring.

Angus

In terms of Angus calves, there is a lot of variation in the prices being paid. With low numbers on offer, there are some suckler farmers who have been purchasing to replace calves lost at birth. Where Angus heifer calves are being traded at marts, prices of €120 to €150 are common, with prices reaching close to €190/head at some sales for stronger and well-shaped calves.

The numbers of Angus bull calves being sold are very low also, but average prices paid are much stronger than the equivalent heifer. Two- to three-week-old Angus bull calves are selling mainly from €150/head to €160/head. Where well-shaped and stronger calves are on offer, prices being paid are much higher, running at €200/head to €230/head.

Hereford

Hereford heifer calves are selling mainly from €130/head to €190/head, with the lower end of prices again being paid for lighter and younger calves. The majority of calves on offer are three- to four-week-old types. Hereford bull calves continue to be quite a strong trade, and are surpassing Angus calves at times. Young Hereford bulls are selling from €200 to €220/head with only small numbers on offer. Stronger calves from three to four weeks old are making higher prices of over €235/head.

There are only very small numbers of continental calves at marts, and these are a strong trade. The best prices are being paid for Charolais types but there are very few of these at mart rings.

Strong prices

Where Limousin calves and Belgian Blue calves are on offer, prices are strong, and variable depending on the quality on offer. The majority being sold are stronger types and these are selling from €200/head to €330/head, with some making over this.