High milk prices mean the majority of dairy farmers are holding on to empty cows with a view of taking as much milk out of them as possible over the next few months. However, other farmers who are highly stocked and tight for grass or where ground conditions are becoming difficult are starting to offload cull cows now.

Where dairy cows are thin and coming direct from the parlour, prices range mainly from €0.80/kg to €1.10/kg. In some cases, cross-bred cows are selling for as little as €0.70/kg. Where cows are younger and carrying some flesh, prices of €1.10/kg to €1.30/kg are common, with better-quality cows making up to €1.40/kg. In some cases, good-quality British Friesian-type cows carrying flesh are making €1.40/kg to €1.55/kg. There are slightly more continental cull cows on offer also. While prices paid for plainer and feeding types have slipped in recent weeks, prices for fleshed types are quite steady.

In general, continental feeding cows are making from €1.40/kg to €1.65/kg where cows are in good flesh and relatively young. Where older, plain and thin cows are on offer, prices range from €1.00/kg for poor-quality types and up to €1.20/kg for slightly better types. The trade for fleshed and short-keep cows is much steadier than for those that need a lot of feeding. Prices in the main are ranging from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg and up to €2.00/kg and slightly above for better-quality types and for young cows or heifers.