A special clearance sale of 100 cows in Carnew Mart last Saturday saw strong demand for all well-bred cows on offer.
Prices averaged at €1,650, with the majority selling from €1,400 to €1,700/head. The majority of demand was from farmers sourcing eight to 10 cows each.
Older seven- to nine-year-old cows made from €1,000 to €1,350/head.
The majority of other special dairy sales have seen prices steady to slightly ahead of the same time last year.
Prices are ranging mainly from €1,200 to €1,400, with weight for age, calving date and EBI having a major impact on prices.
Where better-quality cows are passing through mart rings, prices of €1,500 to €1,600 are common.