GIVEN the slump in prime cattle prices in the early part of 2016 and little positivity in the dairy sector, the rearing calf market has been somewhat subdued so far this year.
Outwith the past couple of weeks, which has witnessed some seasonal strengthening, the market for Friesian/Holstein cross bull calves has been consistently below year-earlier levels, with such calves averaging £38 per head throughout much of May – down £10 on the same month in 2015.
However, while this was the average, better quality dairy calves were nearer the £50 per head mark, according to the report from AHDB.
The market for continental cross bull calves has also been down on the year with the exception of the past week or so. In May, these calves levelled at £250 per head, which is up £30 since March.
Similarly, Hereford cross bull calves are also heading in the right direction, and last month cashed in at £200 per head, which is still £10 down on the year.
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