Where maiden heifers are being offered for sale at special €uro-Star sales, heifer quality and weight continue to be the main drivers of prices.
In some cases, where sales are large or where the quality of heifers on offer are variable, sale prices of average- and plainer-quality lots are being tested.
In the majority of cases, farmer buyers are tending to source heavier heifers showing signs of milk, along with good conformation. While the star rating on the replacement index is also a factor, in most cases it is being looked at as secondary to quality.
Prices for good-quality maiden heifers over 500kg are ranging mainly from €1,200 to €1,400, with plainer types being sold at prices equivalent to beef heifers.
Lighter heifers under 450kg are being met with variable demand and prices of these are ranging mainly from €900 to €1,100.
Where springer heifers are coming to the fore, prices are ranging mainly from €1,600 to €1,800 for good-quality heifers, with the very tops making from €1,800 to €2,200 at some specialist sales.
The majority of sellers are opting not to sell at prices of less than €1,500/head for average-quality heifers.
SHARING OPTIONS