Booming calf trade as demand holds firm

The calf trade to continental markets continues to outperform other years, with numbers up 13% on last year and 7% above 2023 levels. Bord Bia figures show that to the middle of June calf exports stood at 204,902.

Three-quarters of all calves have ended up in either the Netherlands or Spain. Those two, combined with Poland, Italy and Northern Ireland. account for 97% of all calves traded so far this year.

While calf numbers continue to dwindle at marts, exporters are still competing strongly for calves of all ages, resulting in prices well above usual levels for the month of June. Traditional beef breeds are the most common calves on offer and prices for those under six weeks of age closed in on doubling their price compared to this March.

Angus and Hereford-cross bull calves hit highs of €528/head and €554/head in the week ending 15 June, but eased back since.

Over the last week, Angus-cross bulls were back €15/head to €513/head, while Herefords slipped back €5/head to €549/head.

Prices for reared calves followed a similar trajectory this spring.

In recent weeks January to March-born calves have been making anywhere from €700 to €900, with mart manager prices reporting higher prices for choice lots.

Corrin Mart manager, Seán Leahy said: “We had 15 lots that sold for between €900 and €1,050 at this week’s calf sale. That was for runners born this spring.

“Farmers are probably edging it for the top lots at the moment. It’s like a bit of a reversal in the trends of the last few months when exporters dominated the top of the trade.”

Calves from herds that were restricted with TB earlier this year are currently available in big numbers.

“What we’re seeing now is a lot of stronger calves that are coming from herds that are now de-restricted from TB. They’re coming in big numbers, are very good quality and farmers and exporters are really competing for them.”