Agriland calf survey: Age/weight/slaughtering what do you think?

Latest feedback from calf sales suggest that in many instances “well-fed and stronger-types” are currently in demand throughout the country.

But it is not a universal picture, as Friesian bull calves remain a difficult sale, with Friesian bulls under 50kg often not attracting any bids.

Earlier this month, Agriland was informed of a number of examples where farmers purchased calves at average prices of €7/head, and less in some instances.

Agriland is also aware of instances where farmers sourced calves with payment going the way of the buyer, rather than the seller.

The Dairy Calf to Beef Ten-Point Action Plan, which was published last month, has a strong focus on improved calf health and welfare.

It also advocates for best practices and procedures to assure health and welfare at marts.

But, before that stage, the action plan also sets out that farmers should have the capacity to “hold calves for longer on dairy farms”.

Calf values

According to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine “every calf born on an Irish farm is of value”.

Minister Charlie McConalogue also stressed that it is his firm view that “every farmer is responsible for the welfare of his or her calves”.

“On-farm breeding policy determines the value and utility of calves born in dairy herds and therefore has an impact on welfare,” the minister has said.

Meanwhile, the Calf Stakeholder Forum has also highlighted that the quality of the calf leaving the dairy farm remains the “key factor in developing a sustainable dairy beef system”, and should be a key priority for all stakeholders.

But input costs continue to be a key factor – particularly the price of milk replacer.

According to Teagasc, buying the right calf “at an appropriate price, optimising nutrition and health, along with limiting disease pressure”, are critical to the overall level of performance and profitability achievable from calf to beef systems.