Prices down, big jump in Irish calf exports

ABOUT 42,000 Irish calves have been exported this year, with lower prices and higher demand triggering a 50% increase in sales.

Irish calf prices slumped nearly 20% in 2005 from last year’s high levels, making Ireland a more competitive source for export to continental Europe.

Up to June, calf prices here averaged only €144 per head. In the first week of June, Irish beef calves averaged €220 and dairy calves averaged €158.