Friesian calf prices doubled in price over the past 12 months, according the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).

The prices of Angus and Herefords grew significantly as well over the period (February 2025-February 2026).

This is according to prices supplied by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).

ICBF prices for the week ending February 8, 2026 are as follows:

The average price for Friesian males under-21-days is €264, and €288 at 21-24 days; female Friesians aged 21-42 days are at €230;
The average price for Angus bulls under-21-days is €465, and at 21-42 days is €548; female Angus calves under-21-days are at €363, and 21-42 days at €424;
The average price for Herefords males under-21-days is €491, and 21-42 days is €528; female Herefords under-21-days are at €453, and 21-42 days at €428.

Looking at the same time period in 2025, the prices were as follows:

The average price for Friesian males under-21-days was €127, and at 21-24 days was €145; female Friesians aged 21-42 days were at €87;
The average price for Angus bulls under-21-days average price was €271, at 21-42 days was at €326; female Angus calves under-21-days were at €202, and 21-42 days at €256;
The average price for Hereford males under-21-days average price was €287, and 21-42 days at €336; female Herefords under-21-days were at €238, and 21-42 days at €264.

‘Beef remains strong’

Agriland talked to Sean Dennehy, manager of Cork Marts, Bandon, about the driving factors behind the increase in prices over the past 12 months.

He said: “This time last year, we were at the start of where there was a huge demand from shippers, and a big portion of our sales were shipped in March and April.

“Beef price went up way more than what it had previously."

According to the mart manager, the trend on the year "mimicked the cattle price all the way through".

“The finished price has an effect all the way down from supply chain to the young calves – it all reflected back on what the finished price was," Dennehy added.

“Beef remains strong at the moment. We’re predicting a good strong domestic farmer demand this year as well as demand from shippers.”