With grass supplies decreasing, ground conditions worsening and the onset of housing, the number of in-calf heifers on offer has increased in recent weeks.

In special mart sales, where good-quality and high-EBI lots are on offer, the trade has been reported to be brisk, with the best prices paid for well-bred calved heifers.

In most sales, prices of in-calf heifers are ranging mainly from €1,200 to €1,700, with better-quality types making from €1,500 upwards. Lighter or plainer heifers with little figures behind them are at the lower end of prices.

The number of heifers on offer for farm-to-farm movements has increased also.

Where large numbers are on offer to be sold as one group, prices of €1,200 to €1,300 are being achieved.

Where sellers are tight on housing and need to offload surplus heifers, there is some value to be had, with prices of some good-quality lots of heifers not passing €1,300.

While many sellers are looking for €1,400 and above, in most cases they are finding it difficult to sell large bunches of in-calf heifers for over this.

There are some spring 2016-born heifers on offer. With these, weight for age is crucial at sale.

Good-quality heifers with good weight for age are making from €700 to €800, while lighter and plainer heifers with little figures or those out of stock bulls are selling mainly from €530 to €600/head.