With farmers fearing a potential shutdown due to coronavirus, there has been a big increase in cattle numbers through the marts over the past few days.
Clogher Mart sold over 1,500 head on Saturday, a 300-head increase on previous weeks, while Omagh experienced a similar trend on Monday.
Swatragh Mart saw sale numbers swell to 200 head, while at Dungannon midweek, there was a large turnout of both cattle and prospective buyers. In the weanling ring alone, reports suggest that well over 200 head were on offer, compared to the more normal 60 to 70 cattle at this time of the year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Underpinned
In general, mart managers report that prices are being underpinned by buyers extremely anxious to source livestock ahead of any disruption to supply.
But despite the immediate concerns of closure, most livestock marts in NI are determined to stay open. At the time of going to press, only Saintfield and Armoy have cancelled sales.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
With farmers fearing a potential shutdown due to coronavirus, there has been a big increase in cattle numbers through the marts over the past few days.
Clogher Mart sold over 1,500 head on Saturday, a 300-head increase on previous weeks, while Omagh experienced a similar trend on Monday.
Swatragh Mart saw sale numbers swell to 200 head, while at Dungannon midweek, there was a large turnout of both cattle and prospective buyers. In the weanling ring alone, reports suggest that well over 200 head were on offer, compared to the more normal 60 to 70 cattle at this time of the year.
Underpinned
In general, mart managers report that prices are being underpinned by buyers extremely anxious to source livestock ahead of any disruption to supply.
But despite the immediate concerns of closure, most livestock marts in NI are determined to stay open. At the time of going to press, only Saintfield and Armoy have cancelled sales.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS