Calf prices have been under pressure for two weeks, with the average weighted price for large cattle published by **FranceAgriMer** at 6.58 euros per kilogram in week 40, a drop of 1 cent compared to the previous week. This price has remained largely unchanged since mid-August, but it is 7.6% below the same period last year. In higher categories, the number of calves available for sale has remained limited, which has helped maintain prices, with some areas even reporting small increases. The R cow price, a specific category of cattle, is 2.4% below its level at the same time last year. Dairy cows are facing a more cautious market, with more calves being released this summer than usual. Prices for dairy cows have decreased by a few cents over five weeks, and the Dairy Cow O price is 17% below its level at the same time last year. In contrast, prices for beef cows and beef calves have shown more resistance to the downward trend, with beef cow prices remaining stable. In young beef cattle, the market has been relatively regular, and prices have been firm since early August when they stopped falling. The JB Meat R, a specific category of beef cattle, is 12% below its level at the same time last year. The male Charolais calf, which is 6 to 12 months old and weighs about 300 kilograms, saw its valuation fall below 5 euros per kilogram in July, the first time this has happened since the beginning of 2025. Although the price strengthened slightly after July, it has been trending downward since mid-September. According to Sophie Villanova, director of the federation of live cattle markets (**FMBV**), there was a significant increase in the number of lean cattle presented on the markets in week 38, doubling the number from the previous week. This number rose to 7,589 in week 40, linked to drought conditions and changes in calving patterns due to vector-borne diseases in 2024, as confirmed by Emmanuel Bernard from **Interbev**. **FNB** stated that calf valuations are still subjected to "totally unjustified pressures." Live exports for weeks 36 to 40 have increased by 3% year-on-year to Italy and 16% to Spain. **Interbev** has noted that there is "no mass depopulation phenomenon" despite the challenges. Farmers are prioritizing keeping pregnant cows to ensure calf production and maintain their herds for the future.