Cull cow trade strong despite beef price pressure

The past week has seen another lively trade for all types of cull cows right around the country. The best demand is for well-fleshed heavy cows, with prices of over €2.10/kg being paid for top-quality U grades.

The majority of slaughter-fit cows from 650kg upwards are selling mainly from €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg, with some older and plainer cows selling mainly from €1.80/kg upwards.

Old cows and feeding dairy cows carrying little flesh have been met with a little easier trade.

Fleshed Friesian cows are selling for up to €1.70/kg, with the majority of Friesians selling from €1.40/kg to €1.60/kg for feeding cows carrying some flesh. Where cows are coming straight from the parlour and carrying little condition, prices of €1.00/kg to €1.20/kg are quite common.

Cows with calves at foot are a strong trade, with an abundance of buyers for good-quality cow and calf units. Top-quality young cow and calf units are selling from €1,600 to €1,800 and up to €2,000 in some areas for top-quality types. Where older cows are on offer with young calves at foot, prices of €1,200 to €1,400 are common.