Robust Calf Prices Boost Dairy and Beef Farmer Margins in the UK
Calf prices in the United Kingdom have maintained strength, with auctioneers reporting averages of up to £700 for quality beef calves. Notably, at Carmarthen Livestock Mart, Charolais bulls fetched £825 and heifers £700, while Friesian and Holstein bulls averaged £237 per head. Across recent weeks, average prices for all calves, including both beef and dairy, have hovered between £460 and £480, marking an increase of approximately £50 per head compared to 2025 prices, according to auctioneer Elwyn Thomas.
Thomas noted that the lower-end calf prices have risen, with buyers opting for lesser quality animals instead of spending more, thus boosting the lower market segment. This robust pricing is contributing positively to dairy farmers' incomes, as reflected in the weaned calf sale at Carmarthen on July 6, where strong margins were recorded by beef producers as well. For instance, one farmer sold five-month-old Blues for an average of £1,100, having initially purchased them for about £500.
Market Drayton Market has seen a recent throughput of 450-600 calves weekly, with expectations of this figure rising to 800-1,000 by mid to late August. However, auctioneer Jonty Cliffe expressed skepticism about the sustainability of current prices, as they do not align with finished product values. Recent sales there saw 17 Simmental bulls averaging £680, while 107 Blue bulls averaged £610. All beef and dairy bulls averaged £513, and heifers £456.
Calf registrations in Great Britain in 2025 were reported at 2.51 million, a decrease of 21,000 from the previous year. Alastair Brown, policy and strategy officer at the Livestock Auctioneers Association, described the prices as 'absolutely phenomenal,' indicating good news for sellers and satisfaction among buyers.
The Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) is set to launch GB Calf Week on July 15, focusing on the impact of good data on youngstock performance, covering aspects from bull selection to market options. Additionally, the AHDB is conducting a survey to understand calf rearing practices and the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
