Cattle price fluctuations settle at Kilkenny Mart

The farming sector is going through a lot of changes at the moment with the introduction of the Nitrates Derogation and the reduction in milk prices, which of course leads to uncertainty all ‘round.
On the plus front, cattle prices have remained strong this week with plenty of customers ringside.

Cattle Sale
Many of the farmers buying cattle today waited as they saw a weekly drop in beef quotes and thought that the decrease in store prices would follow.

This time the factories played a very short term game as the constant drop in quotes eroded confidence but they soon found that beef numbers were not as plentiful and Northern Ireland buyers started to appear which helped to generate more interest in this sector, leading to a price increase.

It has been suggested that factories may start looking at special quotes for suckler breed animals, but this suggestion has been long awaited and I feel if it does come about it’s already too late.
Many suckler farmers in Kilkenny and surrounding counties have exited this sector due to the fact they found it to be a loss making category.

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On Thursday, in Kilkenny, a bigger number of animals were on offer (900) with strong prices all round resulting in a TO in excess of €1 million.
Beef bullocks ranged from €1400 to €2070 per head with quality Friesians to €2.40 per kilo.
Forward store bullocks also sold well ranging from €1100 to €1710 per head with lighter types to a high of €3.53 per kilo eg 2 Limousins 445 kilo €1570.
Cull cows recorded a 99% clearance with heifers repeating this figure.

Remember, cattle should be entered before 3.30pm on the previous Wednesday by contacting the mart on 056 7721407.

Sheep Sale
Monday’s sheep sale was a more subdued affair with butcher lambs peaking at €162, with prices in this category ranging from €142 to €162 per head. Factory types €115 to €135 per head and stores €80 to €112.

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A small selection of cull ewes ranged from €77 to €180 per head with breeding hoggets a disappointing trade €160 to €220 per head.

Weather
With a change in the weather we can only hope the showers will not continue too long and if you intended going to the ploughing next week that conditions are fairly dry for this popular yearly event.

Dairy Sale
Kilkenny Mart will be holding its first autumn Dairy Sale on Monday, 2nd October, with the next day, 3rd October, being the special weanling sale.
Entries are now being taken for both these sales. Contact the mart office.
Until next time do be careful on the farm and good buying, good selling and good luck.