A steadying of the beef prices for cull cows has helped to hold prices in the marts. With less well-fleshed cows available at this time of year, it is also a positive.

In marts, managers are commenting that where well-fleshed cows are coming to the fore, agents and feeders are actively buying and prices are holding well. While the price paid depends on cow quality, the tops of young cow-heifers are making well over €2.00/kg still, while the majority of R+ and U grade cull cows are selling from €1.85/kg to €1.95/kg, with R+ and – cows making from €1.80/kg upwards.

Those selling small numbers of well-fleshed cull cows are still tending to sell in marts, as they feel they are getting slightly higher prices as they have no bargaining power in factories.

Fleshed Friesians are in demand also, but numbers passing through rings is still small.

Demand for store cows and light store cows has weakened considerably in the past month to six weeks due to a combination of low grass supplies, weaker beef prices for lesser-quality cows and the time of year, with a very small window to get cheap liveweight gain on these before they are housed for the winter.

Continental store cows are selling from €1.60/kg to €1.70/kg for good-quality cows, with older and plainer types making from €1.40/kg to €1.60/kg.

Old and boner-type cows are suffering the most, with prices back to their weight and a little along with it. Friesian cull cows straight from the parlour are being met with good demand in places, but at a price, ranging mainly from €0.80/kg to €1.10/kg.