KilkennyLive columnist asks: Are Ireland’s efforts to combat climate change a pointless exercise?

What a spell of great weather with lots of sunshine, which always puts people in better form.
The experts or whoever comes up with these brainwaves have stated that Ireland, yes our small country Ireland, has to eliminate approximately 200,000 cows to conform with climate change.

There is also a suggestion that eventually that 10% of the livestock herd would need to be displaced by other activities over the coming years.

Climate Change
Will making all these cuts and sacrifices be of any benefit to climate change world wide, in my opinion no. It is a pointless exercise especially when the rain forests are being cut down, oil production continues in Africa, Asia etc coal mining still taking place in China, India, Indonesia, Australia and USA to name but a few and we here in little Ireland have to start culling our livestock.

In the global picture, unless everyone conforms world wide we are carrying out these reductions that will have no benefit whatsoever in controlling climate change.

Sunshine and haymaking on Kilkenny farms this week

Remember the world population is expanding and grass lands are disappearing will these sacrifices expected to be carried out by Irish farmers help to meet climate targets once again in my opinion no unless it happens world wide.

Beef
The beef factories have started a weekly reduction in quotes but last Thursday in Kilkenny trade still remained steady, especially for forward store bullocks and heifers and also for the limited beef types that were on offer.

The quality lots are still ranging from €2.40 to €3.50 per kilo and numbers are reducing which should steady the trade.
Remember, all cattle should be entered before 3.30pm on the previous Wednesday by contacting the mart office on 056 7721407.

Danesfort farmer is finalist in National Dairy Awards

Lamb Sale
Monday’s lamb sale attracted an entry of 660 with butcher lambs ranging from €160 to €187 per head, factory types €150 to €167 per head with cull ewes €70 to €220 per head.
Next week, due to Monday being a bank holiday, our sheep sale will be held on Tuesday, 6th June, in conjunction with our calf sale.

IFA encourages Kilkenny farmers to be SunSmart

Dairy Sale
Monday’s dairy sale was a small affair with prices for calved Friesian cows and heifers from €1250 to €1850 per head.
Our next dairy sale, and perhaps our final one of the season, takes place on Monday, 12th June, with entries now being taken.
Until next time, enjoy the lovely weather and good buying, good selling and good luck.