Quality animals are in demand at Kilkenny Mart

It’s cold out there and in parts of the country a lot of snow has fallen, but we here in the sunny South-East have escaped the worst of it so far though road conditions are patchy especially on secondary routes.

We in this country, especially those involved with farming, know how the weather dictates all aspects of that enterprise so on a positive note it is nice to see a stretch in the evening and perhaps a run of dry milder weather in a week or two would help raise spirits.

TB Regulations
The new TB regulations that are being introduced on February 1 are causing a bit of concern, but initially these new regulations will have a limited effect.
The new rules apply to all animals in excess of 36 months, but here in Kilkenny Mart it will not affect those selling cull cows or older stock.

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Some agents are spreading misinformation regarding these new requirements but if in doubt just contact Kilkenny Mart office on 056-7721407 to ease your mind.

Cull Cow Clearance
Last Thursday attracted an entry of over 750 animals which included an entry of 270 cull cows. There was a 100% clearance in this sectors, as was the case with a smaller entry of heifers.
The bullocks also sold well with a top call in this sector of €2480 for 4 Char which weighed 785 kilo.

If you are thinking of selling either store or beef bullocks and heifers, and do not usually use the mart facilities, now is as good a time as any as customers are very anxious to acquire quality animals.
Animals should be entered before 3.30pm on the previous Wednesday.

Sheep Sale
Monday’s sheep sale was a smaller affair with a little over 300 on offer. Prices were slightly sharper, especially for the heavy lambs, or should I say hoggets as we are now into a new year regarding sheep.
Store lambs/ hoggets were in short supply but heavier types, 50 kilo plus, ranged from €138 to €151 depending on flesh cover.

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Calf Sale
We also hold a calf sale on a Monday which is attracting anything from 15 to 50 calves, with excellent prices being given.
The calf sale will change to Tuesdays at 11am from February 7.

Dairy Sale
At the moment we are holding a dairy sale each and every Monday at 12.30pm. Last week fresh calved Fr heifers ranged from €1620 to €1920 per head with in calf lots €1,000 to €1,700 per head. If you have dairy animals to sell please contact Annie in the mart office for further details.

Lions Hamper Appeal
A big thank you to all the agri businesses and farmers who support the Kilkenny Lions Hamper Appeal, which raised, on its own in excess of €9,000. Our media people, the Kilkenny People and KCLR, your help was invaluable and is much appreciated.

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Oldest bridge in Ireland still in use by traffic

Brian O’Callaghan
On a very sad note we lost one of our Kilkenny Lions stalwarts last week. Brian O’Callaghan was the glue that held Kilkenny Lions together over many years and a true gentleman in his own right. He will be sorely missed by all of us who were honoured to have known him and proud to call him a friend.
To his beloved wife Cynthia and the extended united O’Callaghan family may I offer my sincere condolences at this very sad time. Rest in peace Brian.
Until next week please be careful on the farm and good buying, good selling and good luck.