The cull cow trade has continued to hold firm for all well-fleshed types in recent weeks, with feeders and agents still very active for well-fleshed continentals and Friesians.

Mart managers are commenting that the number of continental cull cows passing through mart rings is still quite high and demand for these is strong.

Well-fleshed R+ and U grade continentals are still selling mainly from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg and, in some cases, there are a few cow heifers still hitting the €2.00/kg mark.

Feeding continental cows are a little easier than a few weeks ago, with prices ranging mainly from €1.60/kg to €1.70/kg for good-quality R grades. Lesser-quality cows are selling from €1.40/kg to €1.60/kg.

Old and thin cull continental cows are selling mainly from €1.20/kg to €1.40/kg. There are some very poor-quality continental cows making under €1.20/kg, but only in small numbers.

Friesian cull cow numbers have increased a little again in recent weeks and mart managers are saying that prices are firm. The average Friesian cull cow straight from the parlour is selling mainly from €1.00/kg to €1.20/kg, depending on quality and the level of flesh.

There are some Jersey-cross cows coming to the fore also, which are being met with mixed demand and are selling from €0.60/kg to €0.80/kg, depending on quality and weight.