Export demand sends prices soaring

Marts: Friesian bull calves, suitable for export, made gains of up to €40/head at yesterday’s sales as an active presence of shippers increased competition.

The live export of calves has commenced a few weeks later than usual but the take off for the trade is evident at marts this week, where calf prices are being boosted by competition with local buyers.

Calf numbers are now building up rapidly as the calving season on dairy farms approached the peak over the coming weeks and all of the indicators are pointing to a firm trade ahead.