In the south of the country, cull cow numbers are still running well back on last year’s levels.

However, this is due mainly to high throughput at this time last year, as dairy farmers reacted to the fodder crisis.

With slowly increasing numbers of cull dairy cows on offer, mart managers are reporting strong buyer demand, with farmers and feeders active.

In some cases, there are numerous reports of farmers switching from store cattle to cows to secure numbers with less outlay.

In terms of prices, at the bottom end of the market Jersey-cross and old poor-quality Friesian cows are selling from €0.50/kg to €0.60/kg while the main demand for Friesian parlour cows is seeing prices range mainly from €0.90/kg to €1.00/kg.

In some cases, where cows are being offered for sale in better flesh, prices are running up to €1.20/kg.

Steady cull trade

With beef prices still on the floor, some mart managers have said that it is refreshing to see a reasonably steady trade for culls compared with the same time last year.

In terms of numbers on offer, they have fallen once again in recent weeks, particularly in the west and midlands. However, in southern areas the peak of continental cull cows has not yet occurred.

The trade for suckler cull cows is holding firm so far, with prices steady on recent weeks. Where suckler cull cows are on offer, there are some young and well-fleshed U grade cows at the top of the market selling for over €1,200/head or €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg.

However, the main run of feeding continental cows from 600kg to 650kg are selling from €950 to €1,000/head.

Demand for older and thin cows is lower and prices are well back from the average warm feeding cows. These plain-quality P and O grade cows are selling from €600/head to €800/head.