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.

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