Plenty of interest in cattle but sheep the ‘poor relation’ at Kilkenny Mart
I note that there is general consensus that farming has become more and more online orientated, which has a bearing on the grey hair population who may not be computer literate and will find it difficult to do all the form filling that’s required.
Of course this is typical of all people who run these institutions, including banking, who feel just because they are computer literati everyone should be the same, which is far from the truth, especially in the older community.
Allowances should be made in these cases but I would be amazed if this happens as there is a mentality out there that the personal touch is no longer required and everyone’s identity is covered by a random number.
Cattle Sales
Going back to business, last Thursday in Kilkenny a good yard of cattle, 980, attracted plenty of interest with the €3 per kilo mark passed on scores of occasions. Light store bullocks and heifers, especially quality continentals, breached the €3.60 per kilo barrier.
The top price bullock was a Blonde Aquitaine which weighed 875 kilo and made €2960 €3.38 per kilo.
In the heifer sector another Blonde which weighed 780 kilo made €2510, with cull cows to a top call of €2200.
The trade could well be described as hot and it would appear that there will not be any cooling in the immediate future.
Cull cow numbers were smaller, perhaps due to uncertainty regarding the new TB regulations. My advice to all farmers wishing to sell cull cows - just carry on regardless as there is no restriction on carrying on as usual.
Remember, all animals for our Thursday cattle sale should be entered before 3.30pm on the previous Wednesday by contacting the mart 056 7721407.
Sheep Sales
Sheep are still the poor relation of the trade with disappointing returns all round, which is very frustrating for people who are selling the last of 2022 lambs and those who gave a lot of money for stores.
The increase in meal costs is far from helpful. We can only hope that this sector of farming will improve price wise, especially as the Irish farmer appears to be getting less for his lamb compared to his European counterparts.
Dairy Sales
Our dairy sales will take every Monday and the few sales we have held this year have been encouraging, with fresh calved lots to €2680 and in calf lots €1300 to €1700 per head.
All dairy should be entered at least a week before the sale you hope to attend and an entry form needs to be filled out.
Further details from Annie in the mart office 056 7721407.
Our calf sales will be taking place each and every Tuesday at 10am with entries invited before 4pm on the previous Monday.
Remembrance
Again I have to mention a few people who have died in the past few weeks.
Paddy Nolan of Outrath was a farmer who was well respected by all who knew him and was very forward thinking in his approach to agriculture.
I would also like to extend deepest sympathy to the Walshe family of Durrow with the sudden death of Padraic. A former President of the IFA and very well respected in Europe plus a director of FBD, his sudden death was a tremendous shock to all. May both men Rest In Peace.