Kilkenny Mart - Beef and dry stock prices ahead of last year’s returns

It has been a good year for farming in the beef and dry stock sector with prices way ahead of last years returns.

This though creates it own problems. To replace the beef type animals and forward stores is costing at €1 to €2 per kilo more than farmers received for the product they have sold and to make money a drop in prices now being paid would result in a loss making situation.

The second problem next year will be the taxman who will be looking for a slice of the good prices received by the producer.

The dairy sector in the last few weeks are experiencing what the dry stock farmer has had to endure - a dramatic cut in milk prices.

The reason for this is over supply and it is suggested by the industry that this negative situation will last for sometime.

According to the experts, if milk falls below the 42 cent per litre mark you are into loss making territory.

It has also been a tough time for the tillage farmer with prices been paid for grain very disappointing some operators in this sector of farming say the prices they are getting today are the same as was received 25 years ago.

The fact that the overheads have increased since then makes it a sector that if far from appealing.

Even though those involved in the sheep sector has dramatically reduced prices are still disappointing.

On Monday the best price available was for 60 kilo wethers which made €194 with those in the 50 kilo bracket ranging from €168 to €178 per head.

Stores are selling best of all with prices ranging from €90 for 26 kilo and a top call of €144 for 39 kilo.

Lions Appeal
At this venture I would like to mention the Kilkenny Lions Hamper Appeal which starts with the Farm Auction on Thursday,

November 27, and finishes on Thursday, December 4, on KCLR from 7pm to 8pm each night.

This event is a fundraiser for all those who are financially curtailed especially at Christmas. We in the Lions Club are very much indebted to the Kilkenny People who publish all the items that are being offered for sale and appear in the issues prior to the event and of course KCLR who also facilitate us. Without these two partners the event would not be able to go ahead .

If you are involved in the agri sector or are a business that would like to participate we be more than happy to get you on board. The easiest way to contact me is by calling Kilkenny Livestock Mart 056-7721407.

RIP
I would like to express my own and all at Kilkenny Mart’s deepest sympathy on the death of Eddie Dooley to his wife Helen son Eamonn daughters Aileen, Grainne and Sheila and the entire Dooley family our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

A long serving auctioneer in Kilkenny Mart in Barrack Street, a man I had the pleasure of working with for over 30 years. Eddie was a pure gentleman and was held in high esteem by farmers and work colleagues alike.

He was also a leading pillar in his beloved Freshford where he was involved in all events. When the Conker Festival was held on the village green for many years, he was in the thick of the action. With the passing of Eddie a light has been extinguished but the memories will last forever. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Until next time, keep safe on the farm.