Farmers seek in-calf and in-milk dairy cows and heifers in response to improved feed situation and projected upturn dairy demand. 

As dairy farmers contemplate improved returns, particularly with plenty of early growth in the paddock, a shortfall has arisen in in-calf and in-milk dairy cows and heifers. This is the first time the sector has seen a stock shortage at this time of the year since the mycoplasma bovis outbreak a few years ago, which is characterised by numerous farmers looking for a few stock, rather than a few looking for many.

After the market in dairy stock experienced a slow autumn, with buyers reluctant to commit too early, since the start of calving and greater stability in projected returns, farmers have been more motivated to bring their herds up to optimal numbers. Typically, farmers need ten to 20 additional cows with others seeking larger numbers. Consequently, demand has increased, with supply insufficient to keep up. Anyone seeking to sell will do well: any surplus in the herd will gain premium value, while any farmer considering exiting in the spring as an in-milk option should also find their cows well received by the market.