Persistent wet weather has Kilkenny farming in a precarious position

Since I wrote this column last I mentioned at the time that hopefully the weather would settle and the persistent wet weather would be replaced by a spell of spring sunshine - that was three weeks ago and we are still waiting.

The farming scene  is in a very precarious position with sheds still full, silage getting scarce, plenty of grass but its much too wet to let cattle into.

The tillage farmer is also in a very poor position with little or no work done and even if we are lucky enough to have a dry spell it will take a number of weeks for field work to be undertaken. Hopefully events will improve.

Sheep

The sheep trade has been one of the bright spots in agriculture with spring lambs ranging from €180 to €220 per head and hoggets to a top of €230. Cull ewes are also selling well with ewes in excess of 75 kilo ranging from €140 to €240 per head.

These prices were even higher a few weeks ago as Ramadan  and Easter were creating a buying frenzy. Prices have eased somewhat since then but last Monday still created a good solid trade.

Cattle

For the first time in many months there was a slight decrease in the price of plain cattle and also some  friesians . On the plus side good quality lots still  sold very well with the €3.50 per kilo barrier been breached on a good few occasions especially for top quality continentals.

There is a want for Friesian bullocks that have a bit of cover and weigh between 500 to 550 kilo at the moment they are scarce and if you have this type of animal you could be well rewarded if you try the ring at our Thursday sales.

Remember if you are offering bullocks or heifers for sale they should be entered before 3.30pm on the previous Wednesday by contacting the mart office on 056 7721407.

Cull cows and calves are still been offered for sale on Tuesdays with the cull cow sale in ring 1 commencing at 10.15 am with the calves sale at 10.30am in ring 2 .

Once again we would like you to enter both calves and cull cows but if you forget you can bring them along and you will not be turned away. We would appreciate it if these animals were entered before 3.30pm on the previous Monday. 

I know it is a very depressing time for farming at the moment but there is a possibility that the situation will improve in the coming weeks and we can all get back to some form of normality. Keep the chin up.

Just reminding you that the next multi breed bull sale takes place next Wednesday 17th April at 12.30pm with two rings in operation. Further details by contacting David Mulroony  of the Kilkenny Agricultural on 087 6940120.

Until next time do be careful on the farm and good buying, good selling and good luck.