Tuesday’s sale at Ballyjamesduff Mart saw a clearance of dairy cows, along with the usual sale. Demand for dairy cows was very strong, with prices rising to a top of €2,050/head, while other good-quality young cows sold from €1,500 to €1,700. There were some older cows that sold from€1,150 to €1,400/head.

This Friesian cow born January 2016 sold for €1,810.

The general cattle sale saw a large entry despite the time of year and demand was strong. The quality on offer was a little lower than the previous week though. Forwards bullocks over 500kg sold from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg for average-quality types, with plainer bullocks selling from €1.90/kg upwards.

This Friesian cow, bron April 2015 sold for €1,700.

Lighter stores from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.10/kg to 2.30/kg, similar levels to heavier bullocks, with farmer buyers focusing on sourcing the better-quality types.

The heifer trade was firm on last week. Those over 500kg sold from €2.00/kg to €2.25/kg, with U grades making over €2.35/kg. Lighter store heifers from 400kg to 500kg sold from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg and up to €2.40/kg for the top third.

This Friesian cow, born April 2015 sold for €1650.

Better-quality weanling bulls were a strong trade but there were more plainer types available. Better-quality types sold from €2.30/kg to €2.60/kg. Weanling heifers were a stronger trade than bulls. The average 350kg heifer made €840/head. Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and €13 to €19 to the seller.

This Friesian cow, born March 2014 sold for €1,630.

This Friesian cow, born December 2015 sold for €1,730.