Bull calf-price adjustment down

Marts: The adjustment of bull calf prices to take account of the loss of premium entitlements for calves born after June 1, 2004 has settled to €75-€150/head less than the earlier-born calves which carried entitlement to one premia payment.

Purchasers of young bull calves in the marts are clearly differentiating between earlier and later- born calves when it comes to bidding. Breeders selling calves within a few weeks of birth are currently suffering a knock averaging €100-€125/head on the bull calves.

Calf numbers are at their lowest at this time of the season and it remains to be seen how the trade will react in the peak off season in March-April 2005 and what adjustment will be made for the effect of the loss of premiums on a headage basis after the change over to the Single EU Payment System from January 1, 2005.

At Bandon Mart this week, Friesian bull calves born before June 1, 2004, ranged €180-€305/head, with the later-born calves selling at €75-€175/head. Early-born Angus and Hereford bull calves made €200-€350/head, while the later born sold at €125-€225/head. In the continentals, the pre-June 1 born calves made €290-€380, with the post- June 1 born calves selling at €150-€250/head.

At Skibbereen Mart the May-born Friesian bull calves made €150-€225 with June-born calves selling at €85-€125/head. Early-born Hereford bulls fetched €220-€325 with the later-born selling at €145-€200/head.

At Kilmallock Mart there was a gap of €100-€125 between the pre-June born and the post-June 1- born bull calves.

At Kanturk Mart Friesian bulls were €130-€380/ head. Hereford bulls sold at €200-€515 and Continental bulls made €300-€500/head. The loss of the 9-month Special Beef Premium is €150/ head with extensification, if applicable, worth a further €80/head.