Kilkenny Mart is winding down for the year

The spell of cold weather continues but at least we do not have any significant snowfall which would disrupt travel around the country.

As we wind down for the year most sellers of all categories of cattle would be pleased with the prices they have received.
Cattle Sales
Numbers have increased on last year, due mainly to many farmers selling their beef type animals through the Mart ring as opposed to going direct to the factory.

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Cull cow numbers being offered for sale have also increased with both ring and online bidders being very active.
The advantage of selling in the ring is that it holds no surprises and when your cattle are sold you know exactly what you are getting. Many beef sellers have been disappointed by factory returns and the quoted prices may not reflect after deductions.

Sheep Sales
Sheep numbers have seen a small increase this year with prices steady as opposed to spectacular.
On Monday a selection of good quality butcher lambs ranged from €145 to €164 per head with factory types €123 to €145 per head.

Customers for store lambs were not as plentiful with €70 to €115 per head being the range for this sector.
Cull ewes made from €72 to €196 per head.
Our final sheep sale of the year takes place next Monday, December 19, with a start time of 10am.
On this day also we hold a dairy sale which kicks off at 12.30pm.

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Final Sale
Thursday, December 15, was our final cattle sale of the year and with prices holding up very well it might be a good time to generate some capital for the expensive Christmas season.
Entries are being taken up to 3.30pm on the previous Wednesday by contacting the office on 056 7721407.
This week’s sale will also contain the first part of a dispersal of a top suckler herd with over 40 on offer.

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Lions Appeal
To all of you who supported the Kilkenny Lions Hamper Appeal may I say a big thank you . Through your action you have helped the less fortunate to enjoy a slightly better Christmas.
We should also acknowledge the help of Kilkenny People newspaper and KCLR in this great venture.
Next week I hope to give a quick review on how the year went here in Kilkenny Mart which has seen an excellent years trading.
Until then do be careful on the farm and good buying,good selling and good luck.