Kilkenny tillage sector’s disappointing returns has some farms ‘contemplating future’

The evenings have turned longer the rain has started falling and it appears winter is on the way.

Weather has always been a dictating factor in farming and on reflection 2025 has not been a bad one.

We had a lot of days during the spring and summer where rain was very limited and of course meant that hay, silage and harvesting work could be carried out without much disruption.

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Grass growth was good and those in the tillage sector recorded good returns but the price they have and are being paid is very disappointing, with some people in the tillage sector stating the money they are getting today was the same they secured 15 years ago when overheads were much less.

This situation is so serious that some well established tillage farmers are contemplating their future.

Beef
On the beef front the good prices have continued and as late as last Thursday the bigger sale of cattle meet another excellent trade with beef bullocks to a top call of €3340 with the best price of the day in this sector being €2050 for 5 Char that only weighed 299 kilo this price relates to €6.86 a kilo.

The question is will these animals leave a return when they are being sold as beef in 18 months time or so.

op quality Friesian bullocks eg British Friesians are ranging from €3.80 to €4.25 per kilo with most AA & Herf types from €3.70 to €5 per kilo. Heifers are also selling well with forward store and beef type animals attracting bids from €4 to €5 per kilo.

The top price in the heifer sector on Thursday was €2810 for a Pied Heifer weighing 485 kilo.

Do not forget to enter cattle for our Thursday sale before 3.30pm on the Wednesday. The office contact number is 056 7721407.

Tuesday has developed into a busy day with both cull cows and weanlings being offered for sale. Last Tuesday saw a super trade for cull cows with prices for the Friesian types ranging from €1.80 to €3.70 per kilo with Continentals €3.40 to €4.20 per kilo.

Once again we would like people to enter their animals in this sector so we can contact potential buyers about what’s on offer.

If you do arrive without entering your cattle will still be accepted.

Weanling bulls continentals breeds are selling between €4.50 to €7 plus for the real fancy types with the heifers in this sector peaking at €6.50 back to €3.80 per kilo .

The traditional breeds in this sector have attracted prices of €3.50 to €5.50 per kilo mostly being purchased by farmer buyers. These prices relate to bulls, bullocks and heifers.

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Sheep
On the sheep front prices in this sector have proved disappointing with Monday recording a top call of €180 for 56 kilo as opposed to €200 last week .

Store lambs are selling very well with most ranging from €115 to €147 for 34 kilo ewe lambs.

We also hold a dairy sale on every second Monday and even allowing for the reduction of milk prices the sale of over 40 head recorded a 100% clearance with fresh calved Friesian cows and heifers ranging from €1800 to €3000 per head and in calf lots €1650 to €2300 per head .
Our next dairy sale will be November 17.

Limousin Sale
Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of officiating at the Premier Limousin Sale which turned out to be one of the best on recorded with bulls ranging from €4000 to €16800 per head to average €7494 with heifers to a top call of €14600 to average at €6836 with a 100% clearance .

This sale took place in Roscrea Mart.

Kilkenny Mart hosted the Irish Pure Friesian National Seminar Awards & Showcase Sale which again proved an excellent sale with in calf lots ranging from €2300 to €3700 per head with born Nov 24 to March 2025 €1500 to €2100 per head.
Until next time do be careful on the farm and good buying, good selling and good luck.