For two years, the scarcity of supply has started to be felt, with prices starting to increase in February 2023. Competition is stronger. Spanish fatteners have increased their range of purchases for the production of young dairy cattle. 2024 will confirm this trend with sustained price levels all summer before the integrators put on the pressure.
The quotas which hampered autumn trade in recent years only lasted 15 days. For two weeks prices have started to rise again, three months in advance. Price levels are between €80 and €100 higher than last year.
This week, large dairy calves were valued at between €170 and €180/head in centers intended for export. At the start of the week, prices for good Montbéliard calves intended for export were between €300 and €330. On the Château-Gontier market, suitable prim'Holstein and Norman calves weighing 50 to 55 kg were negotiated between €140 and 160 and animals weighing 45/50 kg between €100 and 130. The Breton markets also reported a firm trade for good calves.
