The majority of heifers traded in recent weeks have been farm-to-farm movements.

Worsening weather and grass supplies starting to reduce in some areas mean farmers are becoming more anxious to offload surpluses, especially where housing is an issue.

The trade is similar to a few weeks ago. Where groups of high-EBI heifers are being offered in larger bunches, current prices are ranging mainly from €1,100 to €1,400/head. The majority of these are February- and early March-calving AI-bred stock.

Where the EBI is low, or where there is much more Holstein background in the heifers, those scanned in-calf are selling mainly from €1,000 to €1,100. There are some reports of cows being sold at prices of €1,000 to €1,200.

The number of autumn-calving cows and heifers on offer are limited. Prices as a result are starting strong, with nice-quality springing heifers selling mainly from €1,200 to €1,400, with top-quality and well-bred types looking for over €1,600/head.

There are some maiden heifers fit for service being offered for sale, usually at around the €800/head mark, but where weight for age is poor or there is little figures behind them, then prices are variable.

There are some spring 2017 heifer calves on offer in some areas also. Prices of these are ranging mainly from €420 to €500/head, but, again, if weight is poor, then prices are back also.