Sheep prices show improvement at Kilkenny Mart

As I write this script on a dull morning the weather depicts the atmosphere which is very subdued and low due to many people associated with Kilkenny Mart passing away over the last few weeks.

They were either buyers or sellers and a staff member, all having a long association with us and over the years. Over time you build up a good, sometimes great, relationship with each and every one of them. Some would be acquaintances others would have become close friends, so to their grieving family members our deepest sympathy and may they all Rest In Peace.

Cattle
The cattle sale in Kilkenny Mart has attracted good numbers over the past few weeks with the last seven or eight sales recording TO in excess of €1 million.
Prices have remained excellent for continental types with prices for these top quality lots ranging from €2.80 to €3.60 per kilo.
Plain cattle have showed a decrease in price especially those showing effects of the long wet spell.

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Talking to a few buyers that attend Kilkenny Mart and have been asking why they travel such a distant to buy animals. The fact that numbers are big in Kilkenny, and quality not bad, gives buyers an opportunity to get into a decent load rather than spending a lot of time in smaller marts to secure one or two animals.
Remember if you are thinking of selling cattle in Kilkenny Mart they need to be tested for TB within the year and to enter call 056 7721407 before 3.30pm on the Wednesday.

Sheep
This week’s sheep sale saw an improvement in prices with butcher lambs ranging from €140 to €164 per head factory types €125 to €135 per head with store types in demand with a price range of €70 to €116 per head.

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Dairy
Good news for the dairy producer with trade for dairy animals showing an upward graph Fresh Calved Fr Cows and Heifers ranged from €1180 to €2640 per head with in calf lots €900 to €1500 with lesser types €750 to €900 per head.
A small selection of Friesian maiden heifers ranging in weight from 220 to 255 kilo made from €390 to €540 per head.
Our next sale of dairy animals is Monday 20th November with entries now been taken.

Special Sales
Two special sales coming up in Kilkenny Mart are a sale of 50 Pedigree AA cows, heifers and calves on Saturday 25th November at 12noon with a special sale of Pedigree Suffolk Ewes on Monday 27th November at 1pm.
More details by contacting the mart.
Until next time do be careful on the farm and good buying, good selling and good luck.