Replacement index is an issue, but buyers are looking predominantly at animal conformation, overall size and visual maternal characteristics first.

In terms of prices, good-quality heifers are selling mainly from €1,600 to €1,800, with top-quality types selling to over €2,000. In-calf cows are selling from €1,400 to €1,700 depending on age and quality.

Old cows with light calves at foot are making from €1,200 for poor-quality cows to €1,700 for better-quality types. Some farmers are snapping up some good-quality heifers suitable for bulling. They are mainly sourcing good-quality heifers over 450kg at €2.35/kg to €2.50/kg.

Demand for dairy in-calf heifers has weakened slightly throughout the country, with prices paid for February- and March-calving heifers in the south running at €1,100 to €1,300. While some sellers are demanding prices of well over €1,500 for well-bred heifers, there is room for bargaining on prices, especially where large numbers are on offer.

Friesian cull cow numbers continue to increase in line with herds being dried off.

Where cows are coming straight from the parlour, the majority are selling at close to their weight, with the average Friesian store cow making from €0.85/kg to €1.10/kg. Plain, old and crossbred cows are selling from €0.70/kg to €0.85/kg.

The number of forward store Friesian culls carrying flesh on offer are low, but where on offer, prices of €1.20/kg to €1.40/kg.