Cow throughput has been a highlight of sales in the last six to nine months for many marts. Higher entries are stemming from the end of brucellosis testing, which is encouraging more farmers to sell store cows rather than send direct for slaughter, firm demand for these type of cows from specialist feeders and strong purchasing activity for slaughter-fit cows. The other element having an increasing influence is a rising dairy herd producing more cull cows annually.

Factory agents driving the trade in the mart are mainly those linked to, or supplying, factories most active in the cow trade. Prices for large-framed R+ and U grading heavy cows weighing over 700kg range from €1.80/kg to €1.95/kg, with the best-quality lots in sales rising to €2/kg. Lighter slaughter-fit cows are selling from €1.70/kg to €1.85/kg at the higher end of the market.

There is also good demand in sales for these type of cows requiring further feeding, with prices ranging from €1.65/kg to €1.80/kg. Lighter suckler feeding cows are selling from €1.30/kg to €1.60/kg, with young cows with an average cover of flesh selling best.

Demand remains firm for Friesian cows, with slaughter-fit lots selling from €1.25/kg to €1.50/kg, with weight and potential grade having a large affect on price. Feeding cows are selling from €1/kg for poorer-quality lots to €1.25/kg, while cows straight from the parlour and in very good condition are selling under €1/kg.

See www.farmersjournal.ie/293458 for more photos from Balla Mart on Saturday.

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Cattle prices: trade keeps ticking along nicely at marts