Busy start to 2023 at Kilkenny Mart

Our first cattle sale of 2023 took place last Thursday and attracted 540 cattle, which would be approx 100 head more compared to the similar sale last year.

It was good to start on a positive note as 2022 proved a terrific year for Kilkenny Mart with turnover in excess of €60 million.

The increased numbers were due to the expansion of the cull cow sector plus the fact that many farmers that would normally bring their cattle direct to the factory opted to try the mart ring instead.
This resulted in excellent returns for sellers who, when going home that evening, knew exactly what they had secured instead of being disappointed due to deductions that occurred when grading by factories.

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Online has contributed very positively to this sector as many buyers of beef could be many miles away and still able to secure stock.
Some well-known online buyers have installed large screens in their office that gives them a better view of the animals they are bidding on.

The pandemic was the real reason for the introduction of the online platform, which has now become established as a regular part of the livestock auction system.
Kilkenny Mart is served by the MartBids app so any farmer who is selling animals or wants to see what the trade is like can have a look at all the action as it happens.

Cattle Sale
Thursday’s cattle sale resulted in a 100% clearance for cull cows and heifers with bullocks not far behind with 98% finding new homes.

It was in the cull cow sector where the top price per head was secured, which was €2430 for a Limousin cow which weighed 790 kilo.

The best price per head for bullocks was €2200 for two overage animals weighing 850 kilo.
An indication of how scarce beef types are getting was forward store and beef type British Friesian bullocks which saw prices range from €2.30 to €2.70 per kilo.

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The heifer sector attracted the smallest numbers with just under 100 on offer. The top call in this sector was €2290 for a Friesian which weighed 840 kilo.
Remember if you have cattle to sell they should be entered before 3.30pm on the previous Wednesday by contacting the mart office 056 7721407.

Sheep Sale
On Monday we held our first sheep sale of the year which was disappointing price wise.
Factory quotes have fallen considerably compared to our last sheep sale of 2022 with €6 to €6.10 being suggested which would show a decrease of €4 to €8 per head on our last December sale.
With the rise in feed prices and the cost of stores last autumn those offering lambs for sale at the moment are losing money.
Hopefully we will see an improvement in the coming weeks as the sheep producer and feeders need it.

Calf Sales
Our calf sales are taking place on Mondays at the moment but will revert to Tuesdays shortly.
We are encouraging farmers to keep calves at least for three weeks to allow them to mature and we will also be offering a collection service for larger numbers.
More information on this issue can be had by contacting Kilkenny Mart and speaking with Michael Barry.

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Dairy Sale
We will be holding dairy sales every Monday, depending on numbers, with all entries to be in at least five days before the sale you intend to enter.
Annie in our office will be happy to assist you on any aspect of this sector.
If you are considering a clearance or reduction sale of dairy stock please give us at least three to four weeks notice so we can implement a sales strategy which would benefit all parties. Until next time do be careful on the farm and good buying, good selling and good luck.