Last Friday’s sale at Kanturk mart saw a special sale of dairy cows on offer. Mart manager Seamus O’Keeffe said that dairy farmers were particularly active for all types on the day, with the main demand for young cows.

He said that prices have strengthened slightly since Christmas on the back of improved milk prices.

There were about 62 cows and heifers on sale, all from a well-bred British Friesian herd with good yields and high solids. Seamus said that buyers travelled from as far as Cavan and Waterford for the sale.

In terms of price, the average was close to €1,400/head, with top-quality young cows making up to €1,700/head.

Calved heifers were selling for the same price as in-calf types, but the strongest demand on the day was for good-quality second- and third-calvers.

Older cows due to calve to their fourth and fifth calf were met with easier prices and sold from €1,000/head upwards.

Seamus said that there was also a very noticeable difference in the prices achieved for young cows compared with those younger types calving later, with the main demand for February and early March calvers.

Commission rates for dairy sales are €20 to the buyer and €20 to the seller.