The coming weeks will see a number of special sales take place in marts where large numbers of in-calf and calved cows will be on offer.Where sales have taken place, mart managers are reporting plenty of buyer activity from farmers. Some managers have said that while some farmers are exiting suckling, there seems to be enough demand from expanding suckler farmers or new farmers to keep a firm floor under prices. As always, choice lots and young cows with calves at foot are experiencing the strongest trade.
The coming weeks will see a number of special sales take place in marts where large numbers of in-calf and calved cows will be on offer.
Where sales have taken place, mart managers are reporting plenty of buyer activity from farmers. Some managers have said that while some farmers are exiting suckling, there seems to be enough demand from expanding suckler farmers or new farmers to keep a firm floor under prices. As always, choice lots and young cows with calves at foot are experiencing the strongest trade.
In some cases, farmer buyers are opting to source calved cows in order to reduce workload or avoid unnecessary risk from calving cows.
In general, young cows with calves at foot are selling from €1,400 to €2,000, with prices averaging at €1,500 to €1,700 in most parts. The quality of the calf and age and quality of the cow are two main driving factors behind prices.
Where old and poor-quality cows are offered for sale with calves at foot, prices of €1,000 to €1,200 are common. At the top of the market, young to quality cows with good calves at foot are selling from €2,000 to €2,200.
The main demand for in-calf types is for young cows or heifers. Prices for these are ranging mainly from €1,500 to €1,800, with few sellers opting to sell at prices below €1,500. Again, at the top of the market, prices are running to well over €2,000/head.
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Numbers and weather quenching demand for plain cattle at marts
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