Dairy farmers see value in bull calves for first time in a decade

Dairy farmers have seen a ‘real value’ in their bull calves for the first time in 10 years, according to a co-operative set up to help restart the export of live calves.

Anglo European Farmers, a farmer co-operative established to provide mainland Europe with livestock from the UK, said members had been paid up to £80 for calves.

“Our members are receiving anything from £30 for poorer quality calves up to about £70 or £80 for the better types,” David Owen, AEF chief executive, said.

More than 12,500 calves have been exported by the cooperative in the five months since the ban was lifted and Mr Owen said he was “positive” about the market improving further.