Monday’s calf sale was a little stronger than last week. Numbers were slightly under 1,000, which was on par with the same week last year. Shippers were active and paying from €40 to €80 for calves. There were some light and poor-quality calves that sold for as little as €10/head, but numbers of these were very small. If the weather settles and they get more out of the country, it should take the pressure off for next week. Farmers are feeding the calves a little longer this year, which is helping prices also. There are more farmer buyers around the ring also. They are mostly buying Angus, Herefords and strong Friesian bull calves that are about half-reared from €110 to €175/head.

With cattle that little bit dearer this year, there is a slight swing back to calves to secure numbers of cattle at relatively low cost.