The past week has seen another lively trade for all types of cull cows right around the country. The best demand is for well-fleshed heavy cows, with prices of over €2.10/kg being paid for top-quality U grades.

The majority of slaughter-fit cows from 650kg upwards are selling mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg, with some older and plainer cows selling mainly from €1.80/kg upwards.

Old cows and feeding dairy cows carrying little flesh have been met with a little easier trade.

Fleshed Friesian cows are selling for up to €1.70/kg, with the majority of Friesians selling from €1.40/kg to €1.60/kg for feeding cows carrying some flesh. Where cows are coming straight from the parlour and carrying little condition, prices of €1.00/kg to €1.20/kg are quite common.

Cows with calves at foot are a strong trade, with an abundance of buyers for good-quality cow and calf units. Top-quality young cow and calf units are selling from €1,600 to €1,800 and up to €2,000 in some areas for top-quality types. Where older cows are on offer with young calves at foot, prices of €1,200 to €1,400 are common.