Despite prices of cattle moving on in the past week and a half, the cull cow trade remains relatively unchanged right across the country.

Marts are reporting steady numbers on offer and firm demand, but no changes in prices. There are some young and well-fleshed U grade cows selling for over €1,200/head or €1.65-€1.75/kg. The main run of feeding continental cows from 600kg to 650kg are selling from €950 to €1,050/head. Where old and thin cows are on offer, these are a variable trade and are running a long way back from fleshed cows. These plain quality P and O grade cows are selling from €600/head to €800/head.

The number of dairy cull cows coming out to marts is still running well behind last year’s levels. Mart managers are reporting steady buyer demand, with farmers and feeders active.

At many mart rings there are new buyers in attendance, who are sourcing cows instead of stores.

In terms of prices, young Friesian cows carrying some flesh are the best trade. These are selling mainly from €0.90/kg to €1.10/kg. Where cows are carrying more flesh they are making over €1.20/kg at some sales.

In contrast, old thin cows and Jersey crosses are steady trade but prices are weak. The majority of these are selling from €0.60/kg to €0.70/kg.

While numbers are running much lower so far than last year, they are starting to increase in the south and are likely to increase quickly in the coming weeks.