There are still large numbers of in-calf dairy heifers on offer right across the country.

With fodder still scarce in the south, many dairy farmers are still trying to offload in-calf heifers to relieve fodder pressure.

While numbers were moving well a month ago, the numbers being sold have slowed due to mixed demand.

While the better-quality types are still selling, sellers are finding it more difficult to achieve the target prices they were looking for.

The prices quoted are ranging mainly from €1,000 to €1,200 for average-quality heifers, with better-quality and high-EBI types selling from €1,200 to €1,300/head.

But achieving these prices is proving difficult, especially in the south.

At the bottom of the market it is more difficult to sell and there are homebred heifers advertised from €950 to €1,100, but these are slow to move.

The lower prices are being paid for plainer heifers or for heifers showing poor weight for age.

The largest groups on offer are predominantly crossbred heifers, with sellers looking to sell in job lots.

Demand for autumn-calved heifers or in-calf heifers is good right across the country, but the numbers of these on offer now are low. Prices of these are ranging mainly from €1,100 to €1,300, depending on the quality and the figures behind the heifers. Those with little to no figures are being met with weaker demand.

There are some in-calf and calved heifers selling at prices of over €1,600/head, but these are mainly well-bred or pedigree types.