Autumn 2018 saw record numbers of dairy cull cow sales right across the country as dairy farmers facing fodder shortages opted to sell empty cows earlier than usual, in order to reduce stock numbers, so that fodder reserves could be stretched for the winter.

Twelve months on and the total opposite is the case. Fodder supplies are strong right across the year and, as a result, dairy farmers have opted to milk on cows that are not in-calf in order to capitalise on their milk production before sale.

Lower numbers

This has meant that the number of Friesian cull cows on offer in marts in the last few months has been much lower than the same time last year.

However, mart managers in the south have said that while numbers are running much lower than last year, there has been an increase in cull cow numbers in recent weeks, coinciding with dairy farmers drying off cows for the winter.

While cattle prices in marts increased in recent weeks, this has not really translated into the cow sales

Demand is said to be quite strong and steady. While cattle prices in marts increased in recent weeks, this has not really translated into the cow sales and prices are holding steady, despite the fact that there are plenty of buyers around the mart rings.

The majority of black and white cows are selling mainly from €0.90/kg to €1.10/kg.

Where Jersey-cross cows are on offer, and old, thin boner-type cows, prices of €0.60/kg to €0.80/kg are common, with better-quality Jersey cows making more than this.

Where fleshed Friesian cows and young cows are on offer, prices are a little stronger. Top-quality fleshed Friesian cows are selling mainly from €1.10/kg to €1.30/kg at the top of the market.

The trade for suckler cull cows is holding firm. The average 650kg to 750kg cow is selling mainly from €1.55/kg to €1.65/kg or from €350 to €450 along with the weight.

Old and thin cows are selling mainly from €1.25/kg to €1.40/kg. At the opposite end of the spectrum, top-quality fleshed cows are selling from €1.75/kg to €1.85/kg and to over €1.90/kg in some cases for top-quality U grade cows.