The number of cows with calves at foot is low at marts right across the country, but where they are on offer they are being met with strong demand.

Farmers are still actively sourcing calved young suckler cows with calves at foot more so than in-calf heifers, as there is less risk.

But with low numbers of calved cows on offer, there is strong competition for top-quality cow and calf teams.

Prices of good-quality calved sucklers with calves at foot are from €1,600 to €1,800, but, in some cases where stronger calves are with top-quality young cows, prices of €2,000 are available.

Less demand

Old cows with young calves at foot are being met with less farmer demand, but there are still plenty of dealers and finishers looking to source these kinds of cow and calf units, with a view to weaning the calves and finishing the cows.

Again, the prices are predominantly determined by the weight and quality of the cow and the size of the calf.

Some old cows with light young calves at foot are selling for as little as €1,000 to €1,300/head.

Where October- or November-calving heifers are on offer, again farmers are focusing on sourcing the better-quality R grade heifers that have large frames and are in-calf to easy-calving bulls.

Prices of these better-quality types are averaging from €1,600 to €1,800/head, with very small numbers breaching the €1,800/head mark.

Sellers are reluctant to sell in-calf heifers for less than €1,500/head.