Watch: Strong trade at Kilkenny Mart but fall in price for heavy cattle
The cattle trade at Kilkenny Mart remains strong overall, despite some easing in prices for heavier stock in recent weeks.
Speaking to Agriland Kilkenny Mart manager, Michael Lynch said close to 1,000 cattle were on offer at Thursday's cattle sale.
"We're now probably really into spring sales at this stage.
"We're also almost at the grass-buying stage, so we have more cattle," the mart manager said.
While the general trade remains strong, Lynch said heavier cattle have come under some pressure, largely due to factory price movements.
He added: "The heavier cattle probably have suffered a little bit over the last few weeks, and that is probably driven by the factory price.
"That's probably a challenge for finishers because they bought those cattle last August or September and they are probably not really getting rewarded for them.
"And when they come back, the smaller cattle and the store cattle, are very dear, which makes it a bigger challenge for the man that has to go back into the market and buy them again."
However, Lynch also said that the overall cattle trade remains "good" despite the up and down trends for certain stock.
Calf prices
Meanwhile, calf trade has been booming this year at marts across the country.
Lynch said around 900 calves passed through the ring at the mart's Tuesday (March 10) calf sale, marking a sharp increase from last year's levels.
He attributed the increase in numbers to farmers calving a bit earlier this year and less people selling their calves at home.
The mart manager added that Friesian calves, which traditionally attract strong demand from exporters and shipper, have seen a significant rise.
Lynch described the difference in current calf prices compared to last year's as "night and day."
He said that Friesian calves, which traditionally attract strong demand from exporters and shippers, have seen a significant rise.
The mart manager added: "Last year, Friesian calves would have probably made €140 or €150 at this stage of the year.
"This year, they are double that."
He said that Hereford and Angus bull calves are up roughly €150 from last year as well, with some continental calves going for even higher prices depending on quality.
While strong prices are welcome news for sellers, Lynch suggested that it may be presenting challenges for buyers.
"For the men that are selling them, they must be very happy.
"But for the men that are buying them, it is a challenge," he added.
