Beef price pressure and poorer weather conditions in some areas have resulted in a slippage in the price paid for cull cows in most parts. Old cows and thin types have been hit with the largest slip in price of more than €70/head.
Beef price pressure and poorer weather conditions in some areas have resulted in a slippage in the price paid for cull cows in most parts.
Old cows and thin types have been hit with the largest slip in price of more than €70/head.
The main trade for feeding continental cows is seeing prices from €300 to €400 along with the weight or from €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg.
Where old and poor-quality continentals are on offer, prices of €1.30/kg to €1.50/kg are more common. Although the supply of cull cows is well up in almost all marts so far this year, in the past few weeks the supply has tightened.
Where fleshed cows are coming to the fore, prices of €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg are common, with few U grades making the €2.00/kg mark.
Fleshed Friesian culls are making from €1.60/kg to €1.75/kg, while good-quality feeding types are selling mainly from €1.20/kg to €1.40/kg and thin cows straight from the parlour are making from €1.00/kg to €1.20/kg.
Mart managers have been reporting a very strong trade for runner calves. The number of reared calves coming to the fore at marts in the south have increased in recent weeks and farmer buyers are active.
Where reared Angus and Hereford calves are for sale, prices range from €380 for heifers to €450 for good-quality January- and February-born bulls. Where good-quality Friesian runner calves are on offer, prices of €350 to €370 are being reported for bull calves. Where calves are younger and the quality is poor, prices of €280 to €300 are more common.
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Cattle prices: larger numbers and weaker demand hits mart trade
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