Brian Reidy: Can any of these calves selling for €500+ make a profit?

Calves have been selling at record prices in 2025, but is it possible for them to make any money? Independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy gives his take

If there is any drop in confidence for those that invest in calves each year, through a drop in factory or mart prices, then calves will be a tough trade in the spring of 2026. Picture: O'Gorman Photography

We are calving at home at the moment, and all is going well, thankfully. I have last year's bull calves entered in the Cahir Mart Weanling Show and Sale for this Friday, so it’s a busy time of year.

I have been asked many times recently by readers and customers if the high-price calves bought this year will ever leave a margin. My immediate reaction is to suggest that I am a ruminant nutritionist and not a fortune-teller.