Bull calves’ prices drop

Marts: There has been a sharp drop in the prices being paid in the marts for bull calves born after June 1, 2004 as purchasers adjust their bidding to account for the change over to the EU single payment.

Prices for bull calves have come back by up to €200/head as the first of the calves born into the new support environment without premia payments based on headage are being offered in the sales rings. Bull calves with registered births on or after June 1st 2004 are selling at €60/head to €200/head less than those which have birth registrations up to May 31st 2004, with the former the first calves with no premia entitlements.

The drop in prices for calves may include a seasonal adjustment of €10-€20/head less, but in many sales more than €100/head has been knocked off to take the change over into account. Friesian bull calves sold at €160-€290/head at Kanturk Mart yesterday compared to €200-€415/head last week. The top price for continental bulls was back from €520 last week to €420, while Hereford bulls were similar or slightly dearer at yesterday's sale.