Factory demand drives prices of cull cows

With factory cows prices running around 25c/kg above the same time last year, factory demand for culls cows is strong.

As a result, feeders and factory agent activity at marts for well-fleshed, short-keep and slaughter-fit cows is very strong.

Where farmers have small numbers of culls to sell, bargaining power with factories is low, and often times they are choosing to sell live in the mart in a bid to receive higher prices.

Young well-fleshed cow heifers are selling from €1.95/kg to €2.05/kg, while the majority of well-fleshed continental culls are selling mainly from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg, with fleshed Friesians making from €1.55/kg to €1.70/kg.

Demand for warm store cows suitable for grass is solid also despite the weather.