The numbers of cows on offer at mart sales across the country has decreased in recent weeks, with the largest numbers available in the south as sales reduce in size quickly in the west and midlands.

Mart managers are reporting an easing trade as a result of the reducing beef prices.

While prices are back, many mart managers have said that the prices are not back quite as much as factory prices.

In the south, the majority of cows on offer are Friesian and Friesian-crosses. Demand is said to be strong and steady, with the lower numbers on offer helping to offset the reducing price paid.

Friesian feeding cows are selling for about €1.00/kg for average-quality types, with better-quality cows carrying some flesh selling mainly from €1.10/kg to €1.25/kg.

There are reports of Friesian cows with good levels of flesh selling at higher prices of over €1.35/kg in some areas.

Where Jersey-cross cows are on offer, prices are ranging from €0.70/kg to €0.80/kg and up to €0.90/kg for better-quality types.

The trade for continental cows is quite good also, with mart managers reporting strong demand for all good-quality and forward store cows.

At the top of the market, there are some reports of cows making €2.00/kg or over, but this is only taking place in the minority of cases and only for cow-heifers of top quality.

The main demand for fleshed and short-keep continental cows is resulting in prices ranging mainly from €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg and up to €1.90/kg for very well-conformed cows.

Feeding cows are an easier trade and are selling mainly from €1.55/kg to €1.65/kg, with old cows making from €1.20/kg upwards.