The majority of the increase is coming from dairy herds, which are offloading Friesian and crossbred culls.

While well-fleshed dairy cows are seeing prices hold well, prices paid for plain and thin Friesian culls have taken a bit of a dip.

At the top of the market, well-fleshed Friesian cows that are dry for some time and are a short-keep finish or ready for slaughter are ranging mainly from €1.35/kg to €1.50/kg.

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However, the majority of cull cows coming to the fore are straight from the parlour. These are selling mainly from €0.90/kg to €1.10/kg, with some good-quality cows carrying flesh selling to €1.20/kg. In some areas, where Jersey-cross cows are passing through rings straight from the parlour, prices of €0.75/kg to €0.90/kg are more common.

Continental fleshed cows continue to be a very strong trade, driven by firm demand for manufacturing beef and strong beef prices in factories.

At the top of the market, cow heifers are still making from €2.00/kg to €2.15/kg, while the majority of U grade slaughter-fit cows are selling from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg.

R grades and those that are carrying slightly less flesh are selling from €1.75/kg to €1.85/kg, with warm feeding cows selling mainly from €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg.

Where old and thin cows are coming to the fore, prices of €1.10/kg to €1.30/kg are common.