Excellent returns reported at Kilkenny Mart

I do hope you all had a good St Patrick’s weekend. The weather, even though it was far from perfect, was a bit better in this part of the country than elsewhere.

The constant rain is causing a lot of problems for all livestock and tillage farmers as ground conditions are very poor.

On the cattle front, regarding prices, the weather has had little or no effect with excellent returns for both cattle and sheep.
Sheep returns are excellent due to smaller numbers and a good demand created by Ramadan and the shortage of sheep in mainland Europe, and course the fact that Easter is only around the corner.

A top call of €230 was achieved last Monday in Kilkenny and as the week progressed this price was surpassed.
Thursday’s cattle sale proved to be very positive for all sellers with a 98% clearance.

Quality cattle are ranging from €2.70 to €3.40 with some exceptional lots surpassing €3.80 per kilo.
Our cull cow sale, which has moved to Tuesday in conjunction with our calf sale, has proved to be very successful with 100% clearance on most days.

Fr type cows are ranging from €1.20 to €2.30 per kilo with continentals €1.60 to €2.80 per kilo.

On the sporting front it’s been a busy time with Kilkenny native Willie Mullins creating records with his excellent achievements. He succeeded in winning most of the major races in Cheltenham but also trained over 100 winners at this prestigious venue, surely one of the greatest National Hunt Trainers ever.

Ireland won the six Nations Championship. This is a special rugby team and deserved to be applauded.
Kilkenny hurlers fought their way to a league semi final v Limerick in dreadful conditions in Waterford. The game against Limerick will be a good test for Kilkenny to see where the stand.

On Sunday I was doing my usual stint on the review stand for St Patrick’s Day Parade, which attracted a massive crowd to the city . Well done to Marian Flannery and her great band of workers who did a super job on the day. I would like to thank Ann Marie, Catherine and Meg for all their help.To all who participated take a bow.

Next week is a busy one in Kilkenny Mart with Monday sheep and dairy, Tuesday cull cows and calves, Wednesday the annual Kilkenny Agricultural Society’s Bull Sale and Thursday our general cattle sale.
For information contact the office on 056 7721407.
Until next week do be careful on the farm and good buying, good selling and good luck.