A major dairy dispersal took place in Kilkenny on Monday, with prices going as high as €2,440.

The special sale included 55 cows from the herd of the late Pat Comerford, Kilmanagh.

The herd had an average yield of 6,200l at 3.61% protein and 4.37% fat. Mostly British Friesian, the herd’s EBI ranged from €115 to €176.

Extraordinary prices

Speaking after the sale, mart manager Michael Lynch said: “There were some extraordinary prices. With it being a dispersal, there was a mix of all aged cows but they were all decent stock and made very good money.

“Anything calving within the next two months made nothing less than €1,400, with some €1,000 above this. There were some prices smaller than this but only for summer-calving cows.”

Top price

Taking the top price of €2,440 was a soon to be third-calving cow. Due 1 February, she sold in calf to a Friesian bull.

Next in line was another second-lactation cow. Due to calf down next week, she sold for €1,900.

A number of freshly calved heifers were also offered, with prices of €1,600 plus achieved. Best of the prices came from those carrying higher EBIs.

The dispersal witnessed a 100% clearance.

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