Despite the drought resulting in a shortage of grass and fodder in most parts of the country, demand remains steady for calved and in-calf suckler cows at marts across the country. Good-quality, young cow and calf teams are easily making from €1,600 to €1,800 and to over €1,900 in several areas of the country. Older cows and cows in poorer condition are a more variable trade with prices ranging from €1,300 to €1,500/team, but there are plenty of cases of cows making €1,000 to €1,100.

Young in-calf autumn-calving heifers, with stars are selling mainly from €1,700 to €2,000/head where top-quality types are in offer. Buyers are focusing a little more on stars than this time last year. Plainer in-calf heifers are making from €1,400 to €1,700/head. Heifers with breeding potential continue to be a steady trade.

The trade for cull cows has eased in recent weeks. While some top-quality heavy cows are still selling at about €1.90/kg to €1.95/kg, there are very few cow/heifers making over €2.00/kg.

The majority of average-quality fleshed continental cows are selling mainly from €1.75/kg to €1.85/kg.

Demand for plainer quality feeding continental cows is well back on where it was a few weeks ago. Due to the time of year and factory price cuts, prices are now ranging mainly from €1.40/kg to €1.60/kg for feeding continental cows. Demand for Friesian cull cows is variable also and prices are ranging mainly from €0.80/kg to €1.10/kg for feeding cows straight from the parlour.

Those carrying flesh are selling mainly from €1.30/kg to €1.50/kg, with some factory-fit cows making up to €1.65/kg.