There have been several reports of an increase in the number of dairy stock being traded in the past week.

These are mainly farm-to-farm sales, but there are much higher numbers of cows going for direct slaughter also.

Drought is the main driver of this, with increasing numbers of overstocked farmers who are now faced with a shortage of both grass and winter fodder having to offload any surplus stock.

Where cows are being sold in marts straight from the parlour, prices of €1.00/kg to €1.15/kg are common for those lacking flesh, with some plainer and Jersey-cross cows selling from €0.70/kg upwards.

Cows carrying flesh are fetching higher prices of €1.30/kg to €1.40/kg and up to €1.50/kg in some cases.

Some farmers are looking at offloading surplus heifers earlier this year, with scanned spring-calving heifers selling mainly from €800 to €950/head. Current indications are that demand is low.

With the current shortage of grass, the majority of farmers are waiting until closer to the winter before sourcing heifers once they have a better idea of winter fodder supplies.

In other cases, farmers are offloading surplus spring 2018-born heifer calves also, and prices of these are ranging mainly from €300 to €400/head, depending on breed and figures.

There are some autumn-calving heifers being offered for sale also, but prices are variable depending on weight, size and figures. Prices quoted are ranging mainly from €1,250 to €1,500, but some well-bred pedigree heifers are making over €1,600/head.