The average calf prices paid at marts in the week ending Sunday, April 20, declined in comparison to the previous week, according to the latest Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) calf price statistics.

Despite the slight drop in average calf prices for last week, the trade remains in a positive position with the average prices paid last week above the year-to-date average prices.

According to the ICBF calf price data for dairy dam calves traded in marts, the average price paid for Angus, Hereford, and Friesian bull calves from 3-6-weeks-of-age fell by €7, €11, and €21/calf respectively last week when compared to the prices from the previous week.

The table below details the average prices paid for Angus-sired calves in the week ending Sunday, April 20:

The average price paid for Belgian Blue-sired bull and heifer calves from 3-6-weeks-of-age last week was €460 and €403/head respectively.

Charolais-sired bull and heifer calves of the same age range averaged €437 and €360/calf respectively.

The table below details the average prices paid for Hereford-sired calves in the week ending Sunday, April 20:

Limousin-sired calves from 3-6-weeks-of-age averaged €404 and €342/calf respectively last week.

Aubrac-sired bull and heifer calves of the same age range averaged €320 and €276/calf respectively last week.

The table below details the average prices paid for Friesian bull calves in the week ending Sunday, April 20:

Simmental-sired bull and heifer calves from 3-6-weeks-of-age averaged €410 and €344/head last week.

The number of calves available for sale nationally is expected to drop off significantly in the coming weeks in line with the end of the spring calving season and fall in weekly calf births.