Average calf prices for Angus and Friesians continued to rise in the week ending Sunday, March 9, according to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation's (ICBF) data on average calf prices for dairy bred (dairy dam) calves traded in marts.

Interestingly, the ICBF calf price data shows the average price paid for Hereford bull calves below 21 days of age last week remained the same, with heifer calves of the same spec rising by €4/head.

The average price paid for Friesian bull calves under 21 days increased by €38, while the average price paid for Friesian bull calves from 21-42 days increased by €41/head.

The gallery below outlines sample calf prices from Carrigallen Mart, Co. Leitrim on Saturday, March 15:

In the week ending Sunday, March 9, the average price paid for Angus bull and heifer calves under 21 days old was €267 and €193/head respectively.

Older Angus bull and heifer calves from 21-42 days of age averaged €306/head and €235/head respectively.

Sample calf prices from Carnaross Mart, Co. Meath on Monday, March 10:

Hereford bull and heifer calves under 21 days of age averaged €277/head and €216/head respectively in the week ending Sunday, March 9. Hereford bull and heifer calves from 21-42 days of age averaged €337/head and €253/head respectively.

In the same week, Friesian bull calves under 21 days of age sold for an average price of €154/head with Friesian bull calves from 21-42 days of age selling for an average price of €184/head.