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There was 100 cows available in Fermoy Mart on Tuesday. The majority of Friesian cows over three years of age sold from €1.45/kg to €1.60/kg.
Well-fleshed Friesian cows consistently made from €300 to €350 with their weight, with some making up to €450 over the €/kg.
Feeder cows were selling in the main for between €120 and €220 with their weight, depending on condition, with young cows most sought after.
These cows were picking up an extra 10c to 20c per kilo over older stock. Suckler cows, while scarce, sold for between €435 and €675 over the €/kg. Overall, cows made from €90 to €675 over their weight.
With regular manager Sean Leahy on holidays, Tom McCarthy of Cork Marts said: “There has been a great trade for cows in recent weeks and we are seeing more farmers selling cows through the marts. I thought cow prices had peaked a few weeks ago, but this week has seen excellent prices.
“Cows seem to be making as much if not more than in the factory at the moment. Despite talk of factory prices coming down, the sales both here and in Bandon this week have seen an increased prices in the sales ring,” said Tom. Commission rate is €9 to the buyer and 1.5% to the seller with an entry fee of €2.50 per animal.
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