Finally better prices for calves

Since the start of the global lockdowns, heifer calves have become virtually worthless, meaning dairy farmers have only incurred costs. The fact that dairy farmers receive a higher price for the calves is mainly due to the calving pattern of the dairy cattle.

Every year around May there is a pattern where fewer calves are born. In recent years, this has been exacerbated by the heat waves in July and August, which has resulted in fewer dairy cattle becoming pregnant. This has resulted in a lot fewer calves being born in April and May. In addition, there is also a multi-year change from a shrinking dairy farming sector, which reduces the entire supply of calves. This effect is also visible in Germany, from which many calves are imported, causing veal farmers to keep fewer calves.

Price increase for veal
The price for Rosé calves has increased this week to €3,30 per kilo of slaughtered weight. Nuka's 50+ kg are €171 each on average. These are the highest prices for Rosé veal calves since the start of the corona crisis in March 2020.

The fact that prices have risen so quickly in the past month is primarily due to the reopening of the catering sector in Europe. This has created a significant demand for veal meat in restaurants. In addition, global inflation has resulted in a huge jump in raw materials and foodstuffs, which has also affected calf prices.

Debate about China's exports
Last Tuesday, the House of Representatives debated the Chinese government's decision to open the market for Dutch veal. Several motions had been filed to oppose this decision. The Chinese government's decision has been in effect since 2018, making it one of the most postponed debates ever since the request in 2018. Christine Teunissen of the PvdD has submitted a motion in which the government must come up with an action plan to curb imports. of young calves. This motion will be voted on on Tuesday, June 15.