There are no plans to close any marts or cancel sales this week as a result of the high temperatures during the current warm spell, Ray Doyle livestock and environmental services executive at the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) said.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, he said that ICOS marts are closely monitoring the current high temperatures.

“Most mart movements occur within 60km of the mart. All yards are covered and there is adequate water provisions in marts to minimise any potential heat stress in animals,” he said.

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It follows a warning to farmers to protect their animals and themselves during the current high temperatures by the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture Niall Collins.

Met Éireann has issued nationwide status yellow high temperature and advisory warnings, which are in place until 9am Friday, with possible highs of 30°C forecast for Thursday.

Recommendations

The Department of Agriculture has made some recommendations around the transportation and handling of livestock in hot weather as it can lead to heat stress.

These include:

  • Minimise handling in hot weather, if necessary, ensure animals are handled as early or late in the day as possible to coincide with cooler temperatures.
  • Avoid transporting animals in hot weather where possible.
  • If transport is necessary, plan to minimise journey length, transport during cooler hours and reduce the stocking density to allow for more airflow inside the vehicle.

    • Read more

    Highs of up to 30°C as Met Éireann issues weather warning

    Ministers warn farmers to protect themselves and animals during hot weather

    Heatwave advice: managing beef cattle in hot weather

    Preventing heat stress in dairy cows

    Ensuring sufficient water supplies during a heatwave