The dairy trade is still looking quite strong in marts this week, as the bulk of spring calving winds down on many farms.

Several special dairy sales took place throughout the week, including some clearance sales, with plenty of freshly calved heifers, cull cows, in-calf heifers, and fresh calves going under the hammer.

There is still a demand for high quality cows, with fresh heifers making up to €3,520 during the week.

Mart managers are feeling the domestic market is driving trade right across the board, however exporters are becoming more present for the likes of calf sales this week.

Listowel mart

Listowel Livestock Mart in Co. Kerry held a clearance sale of 70 freshly calved pedigree registered Friesian cows during the week.

The origin herd is averaging 6,866L at 4.14% butterfat and 3.49% protein, translating to 524kg/ milk solids (MS), all while maintaining a somatic cell count (SCC) level of 105.

On the day, a top price of €3,520 was achieved for a two-year-old heifer weighing in at 520kg.

Cows weighing between 500-600kg averaged 5.23/kg, with lighter heifers between 400-500kg averaging 5.20/kg, and heavier animals at 600-700kg making 4.68/kg.

The average price on the day was €2,774, with nearly half of the herd making north of €3,000.

Sixmilebridge mart

Across the river, Sixmilebridge Mart in Co. Clare also held a clearance sale of freshly calved heifers.

The herd averaged 6,200L in 2025, at 4% fat and 3.59% proteins, while maintaining an SCC level of 85.

The top price on the day went to two-year-old heifer, who grabbed €2,780 in the ring.

Light heifers under the 500kg mark did well on the day, making 5.93/kg, while cows between 500-600kg averaged 4.16/kg and heavier animals over the 600kg mark averaged 3.81/kg.

Carnaross

Moving up along, Carnaross Mart in Co. Meath also held an open dairy sale during the week, with over 70 calved and in-calf heifers on offer.

The top price on the day went to a pedigree registered heifer at two years-of-age, who calved down five weeks ago.

The heifer, who is currently producing 28L/day, went under the hammer for €3,000.

On the other end of the scale, a nine-year-old cow was sold for €1,640.

On the day, the average price achieved was €2,047/head.

Waterford Ross

Over on the east side of the country, Waterford Ross Mart in Co. Wexford held a fine sale, with a variety of freshly calved heifers and springing cows on offer.

The top price achieved on the day was €3,375, it went to a two year old heifer with an EBI of €140 who is producing 9,655L/year.

The sale averaged €2,200/head, with several cows making above the €3,000 mark.