Big increase in calves on offer at Kilkenny Mart

Since I last wrote this column there has been a lot of negativity in the agricultural world, starting with the weather - we have had no full dry day in the last tree or four weeks.

The outbreak of blue tongue means that live exports to Northern Ireland and mainland Britain are affected.

This is not affecting the commercial cattle trade in this part of the world but the marts in the west of Ireland may well feel the negative effect.

March is the normal time when breed society pedigree sales start and the absence of Northern Ireland and UK buyers will have a effect on the upper end of these sales.

The stand off between Bord Bia chair Larry Murrin and the different farm organisations is continuing with no apparent resolution in sight.

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Livestock
The main increase in the livestock sector is calves which have increased from 280 last week to an entry of over 600 on Tuesday, February 24. It will be interesting to see if the increase in numbers will have a negative effect on the trade which was excellent last week.

Cattle
Last Thursday’s cattle sale saw a reduction in numbers from the previous week with 670 being presented for sale.

Small, light cattle, plus the good continental store bullock and heifer, are making from €4.50 to €6 per kilo which, even if every things turns out all right, a decent return from these purchases might be illusive.
Friesian bullocks have seen a softening of prices with only the very fancy breaking the €4 per kilo mark. Most are trading from €3.40 to €3.80 per kilo.

On the plus side quality beef bullocks and heifers are ranging from €4.30 to €4.70 per kilo with the continentals being the favourite choice.

AA and Hereford bullocks with good confirmation are raging from €3.70 to €4.20 per kilo with lighter types to €4.50 per kilo.
Don’t forget that entries for our Thursday cattle sale close on the Wednesday before at 3.30pm. Office number 056 7721407.

Sheep
I’m happy to report that sheep prices have steadied with butcher type hoggets ranging from €178 to €197 with the factory hogget €152 to €177 and even the stores are going well with prices from €98 to €152 per head.

Cull ewes on Monday saw prices range from €80 to €268 per head.
The positive prices are welcome but numbers are remaining very small.

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Our cull cows, now being offered for sale on a Tuesday, saw a full clearance last week with lots of happy sellers.

Don’t forget if you did not remember to enter cows there is no problem, bring them in on a Tuesday morning on a first-come first -served basis.
The reason we like to know how many cows are on offer is to inform all our potential buyers.
Until next time do be careful on the farm and perhaps the next time I write this column the sun will be shining. Here’s hoping.
Good buying, good selling and good luck.