The cull cow trade has been a little tougher in the past few days.

Mart managers have said that up until the weekend, the trade was holding quite good, after easier trade in recent weeks.

However, reports from earlier in the week indicate a slightly easier trade once again.

The best trade by far is for well-shaped continental cow-heifers. There are still reports of these selling from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg.

The number of fleshed continental cows on offer is reducing, with the majority of those on offer now feeding types. The main run of demand is seeing prices of €1.70/kg to €1.80/kg paid for forward or short-keep cows, with continental store cows selling from €1.45/kg to €1.65/kg.

Where Friesian store cows are on offer, the trade is holding well in recent days and prices are ranging mainly from €1.00/kg to €1.20/kg for feeding cows suitable for grass.

There are some Friesians with more flesh on offer that are selling from €1.20/kg to €1.30/kg.

Calved suckler cows with calves at foot are in demand where the quality of outfits is very good. Prices at the upper end of the market are ranging mainly from €1,700 to €2,000/head, with some sales seeing prices in excess of this for top-quality types.

The main range of average-quality cow and calf units is from €1,500 to €1,700, with old cows selling from €1,000 upwards.