While there have been a number of special entries and clearance sales, the number of special suckler entries are set to increase further in the coming weeks.

Where sales have taken place, farmer demand is said to be quite strong and they are driving the trade.

Where old cows or where plainer-quality lots are on offer, cow finishers are securing cow and calf units with the view of splitting them and finishing the cows.

In some cases, the prices of these are ranging mainly from €1,000 to €1,200/head.

However, the main farmer demand is for all better-quality cow outfits or cow and calf outfits. In the main, autumn-calving heifers and springers are selling mainly from €1,500 to €1,800/head, with top-class types making over €2,000.

Where these are on offer, buyers are actively looking for those that are in-calf to easy calving sires and in particular AI sires where there is more reliability behind the calving figures.

In addition, where good-quality continental heifers are for sale with good breeding potential at marts, prices of €1,200 to €1,400 are being paid for heifers from 480kg to 530kg.

Cows with calves at foot which are back in-calf are fetching good prices. Again, the age and quality of the cow are affecting price.

In general, most are selling from €1,500 to €1,800, with prices of over €2,000/head being paid for top-quality types.