Mercosur gives ‘two fingers’ to Irish farmers says Kilkenny farming figure

As we head towards the last few weeks of January it is fair to say there has been a lot of uncertainty on the farming front.

The main worry and talking point is the Mercosur deal which has just been signed by EU and Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil which on face value is not welcomed by the bulk of European and Irish farmers.

The main gripe, which was evident at the large demonstration in Athlone last Saturday week, was the fact that many products coming from these countries do not hold the same safeguards as is expected from European farmers.

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If the EU allows beef that has no traceability, and is also treated with hormones, into European supermarkets and shops it gives the two fingers to the Irish and European farmers who have to jump through hoops and are snowed under by form filling and inspections.

It is still too early to know what damage will be done to farming by the increased volume of products from these South American countries, but safeguards will have to be put in place so that exports are held to the same high standards that are expected from European farmers.

In the short term it appears that prices should remain stable but there is still a lot of uncertainty, which may eventually work out, but with the added threat coming from the USA that tariffs may be increased if we do not agree with Mr Trump’s vision of events in Greenland, it is no wonder that there is so much negativity and uncertainty.

Cattle Sales
We have held two cattle sales this year, with prices similar to the sales before Christmas.

The light animals are selling well with the bulk of the better types ranging from €420 to €5.50 per kilo.

The heavy bullocks and heifers ranged from €3.80 to €4.30 per kilo with top types to €4.60 per kilo. Cull cows are now being sold on a Tuesday which also includes weanlings, runners and calves, which should see increased numbers towards the end of the month.

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Sheep Trade
The sheep trade has remained disappointing with a small sale of 400 on Monday with a top call of €195.

The morning was very wet which did not help matters.

The bulk of hoggets on offer were in excess of 50 kilo and ranged from €175 to €195 per head with cull ewes to a top of €212.

Next Monday, January 26, we will be holding a dairy sale in conjunction with our weekly sheep sale, which is in Ring 1 at 12.30pm.

Until next time do be extra careful on the farm especially at calving time and when working machinery. Good buying, good selling and good luck.