Early dairy stock prices are showing signs of easing as cattle begin to move. First indications suggest values could be around €200/head lower across most categories, compared with 2025.

“In terms of young empty cows, Jersey-crossbred types are running around €1,000 from the parlour, with Holstein-Friesian cows making closer to €1,300,” Alan Clarke of Cows.ie told the Irish Farmers Journal.

Cull cow prices are expected to follow closely behind, particularly for cows in good condition.

“In-calf heifers are currently making between €2,000 and €2,300, with higher-EBI stock making slightly more.”

“Weanling heifer prices are between €800 to €1,000. Like with the in-calf’s, higher EBI stock are commanding more,” Clarke said.

Overall, the trade is running behind last year, when cull cows were generally making €1,300 to €1,500/head, while in-calf heifers were selling for upwards of €2,500/head.

The number of stock being sold is still low, however, appetite to offload surplus animals is growing according to Clarke.