Kilkenny farmers fear rise in fertilizer, fuel costs due to Iran conflict

As we hoped for a spell of dry which we had for a few days, President Donal Trump decided to start a war with Iran, which has now spread to other nations in the Middle East, which at the moment has created a lot of uncertainty, with fuel prices increasing every day and fertilizer prices also being quoted higher, this negative issue which we could do without.

We do not know how long this present situation will last but it is situation where fuel prices are increasing meaning  that all commodities will bear an added cost. 

Read next: Kilkenny farm sparks bidding war as large agricultural holding sells at auction

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On the livestock front, numbers of adult cattle and  sheep have shown a reduction from last year but calf numbers have increased while country wide 850,000 calves have been registered this year, an significant increase on 2025 figures.

Last Tuesday, Kilkenny Mart's calf sale attracted an entry of over 900, a record number for us but down compared to Cork county numbers in the likes of Bandon Mart, which attracts an entry of over 2000.

The trade last week was excellent for all calves with a top call of €910 for 3 BB bulls. The positivity of the trade was highlighted when Friesian bulls exceeded €450 on a number of occasions. The calf sale will revert to a Monday next week, March 16, due to St Patrick's Day falling on a Tuesday. 

Our cattle sale of last week attracted an entry of 680, which is 300 less than the equivalent 2025 sale. Trade for the beef and some forward store bullocks and heifers proved disappointing with the bulk ranging from €3.60 to €4.20 per kilo but lighter good quality bullocks and heifers are ranging from €4.30 to €5.80 per kilo.

The cull cow sale is now held on a Tuesday in conjunction with our calf sale. Continental cull cows ranged from €3.00 to €4.00 per kilo with the Friesian types €1.90 to €3.30 per kilo .

SHEEP

On Mondays our sheep sale commences at 10.15 am. The trade last week saw butcher wholesale type hoggets range from €170 to €205 per head with factory types €150 to €175 per head. Cull ewes are still selling well with prices ranging from €100 to €220 per head. Sales of sheep are attracting very small numbers.

DAIRY

We also hold a dairy sale on a Monday at 12.30pm. Last Monday's sale  attracted an entry of 110 with a solid if not spectacular trade. Fresh calved Friesian cows and heifers  ranged from €1400 to €2500 per head resulting in a 90% clearance.

If you are contemplating selling dairy animals we would suggest you should contact Kilkenny Mart at least two weeks before you intend selling to give us a chance to prepare a catalogue of the sale. The contact number for Kilkenny Livestock is 056 7721407.

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This is the start of the breeding sale season with upcoming multi breed bull sale being held in Kilkenny Mart on Wednesday, March 18, at 12noon. I will be conducting the Premier Limousin Bull Sale on Monday, March 16, in Roscrea Livestock Mart. Busy times ahead.

Until next time when hopefully we will see some more sunshine do be careful on the farm and good buying, good selling and good luck.