The first few weeks of January have seen low numbers of cull cows entered into sales across the country.

In the past week in stronger suckler areas, the majority of continental cull cows are selling from €1.40/kg to €1.55/kg on average for older types.

At the top of the market, cows carrying good levels of flesh are selling mainly from €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg, with some cow-heifers making slightly more than this.

In contrast, old feeding continental cows are selling for little more than Friesians, with the majority of plain and old continentals from €1.20/kg to €1.35/kg.

In dairy areas, dairy cull cow numbers are low also and are selling mainly from €1.00/kg to €1.20/kg for young cows carrying some flesh, while lesser-quality types are selling mainly from €0.80/kg to €1.00/kg. At the top of the market, good-quality short-keep Friesian cows are making over €1.40/kg.