With worsening ground conditions, the number of cull cows being entered into mart sales around the country has increased further in the past week.

While fleshed cows are holding their own in terms of price, plainer feeding types continue to be met with slightly weaker prices.

After scanning cows, some suckler farmers are opting to offload cows quickly, particularly if they are carrying flesh. Where fleshed continentals are coming to the fore, prices of €1.75/kg to €1.85/kg are coming, with top-quality types selling to €1.90/kg.

Feeding cows and old cows are being met with a slightly tougher trade due to ground conditions and beef prices. Young continental feeding cows are currently selling from €1.50/kg to €1.65/kg, with plainer types making from €1.30/kg to €1.50/kg. In the south and southwest, worsening ground conditions have led to dairy farmers starting to sell Friesian cull cows.

Fleshed cows are said to be a relatively firm trade and are selling from €1.40/kg to €1.65/kg. Feeding Friesians are making from €0.80/kg to €1.25/kg. Age and quality continue to be the main factors affecting sale value at most ringsides.

Where continental springer heifers and cows with calves at foot are on offer, prices of €1,400 to €1,800 are common for the heifers and prices of €1,300 to €1,600 are being paid in many parts for good-quality cows with calves at foot. Naturally, the age and quality of the cow and calf are having the greatest effect on price. Old and plain cow and calf units are making from €1,100 to €1,300.

Mart manager’s comment

Cow numbers have increased again in the past week here in Cork. The weather has been a major factor driving sales. Price of fleshed Friesians has held fairly firm, but feeding types are under a bit more pressure. The cattle trade has held fairly firm. Numbers on offer have not increased greatly just yet, which has helped the trade. There continues to be a fairly good trade for Friesian weanlings, with prices running at about €400 for those from 240kg to 250kg. Angus and Hereford steers around 400kg continue to sell at about €2.00/kg in most parts, with heifers making from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg.

– Tom McCarthy, Cork Marts

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